पूजापद्धति: Pūjā Paddhati:

The Sadguru said:

Having heard the words of Śrī Raṅganātha thus, Brahmā, with his hands folded in reverence, joyfully asked Hari again.

śrīsadgururuvāca

evaṃ śrīraṅganāthasya niśamya vacanaṃ vidhiḥ

punaḥ papraccha sānandaṃ baddhāñjalipuṭo harim

एवम् · evaṃ — thus

श्रीरङ्गनाथस्य · śrīraṅganāthasya — of Sri Ranganatha

निशम्य · niśamya — having heard

वचनम् · vacanaṃ — words

विधिः · vidhiḥ — Brahma

पुनः · punaḥ — again

पप्रच्छ · papraccha — asked

सानन्दम् · sānandaṃ — joyfully

बद्धाञ्जलिपुटो · baddhāñjalipuṭo — with folded hands

हरिम् · harim — Hari

श्रीरङ्गनाथस्य वचनम् एवम् निशम्य विधिः सानन्दम् बद्धाञ्जलिपुटः सन् हरिम् पुनः पप्रच्छ।

thus · of Sri Ranganatha · having heard · words · Brahma · again · asked · joyfully · with folded hands · Hari

This verse serves as the introductory bridge, establishing the transition from the previous discourse to the specific inquiry regarding the method of worship. It highlights Brahmā's eagerness and reverence as he prepares to receive the sacred instructions from the Lord.

Brahmā said:

O Lord, O wish-fulfilling Mandāra tree for devotees, O ocean of compassion! Please tell me how Your worship is to be performed.

brahmovāca

bhagavan bhaktamandāra kathamārādhanaṃ tava

kartavyamiti me brūhi tvameva karuṇānidhe

भगवन् · bhagavan — O Lord

भक्तमन्दार · bhaktamandāra — wish-fulfilling tree for devotees

कथम् · katham — how

आराधनम् · ārādhanaṃ — worship

तव · tava — Your

कर्तव्यम् · kartavyam — should be done

इति · iti — thus

मे · me — to me

ब्रूहि · brūhi — tell

त्वमेव · tvameva — You alone

करुणानिधे · karuṇānidhe — O ocean of compassion

हे भगवन् भक्तमन्दार करुणानिधे! तव आराधनम् कथम् कर्तव्यम् इति मे ब्रूहि।

O Lord · wish-fulfilling tree for devotees · how · worship · Your · should be done · thus · to me · tell · You alone · O ocean of compassion

Brahmā acknowledges the Lord's supreme nature as a wish-fulfilling tree and a compassionate ocean, setting the devotional tone for the request. This verse defines the purpose of the chapter: to seek the practical methodology for divine worship.

The Lord said:

O Aja (Unborn One), know that My worship to be performed by humans is of three kinds: Vedic, Tāntric, and that which is stated in the Purāṇas.

śrībhagavānuvāca

vaidikaṃ tāntrikaṃ caiva purāṇoktamiti trayam |

ārādhanaṃ me jānīhi kartavyaṃ manujairaja

वैदिकम् · vaidikaṃ — Vedic

तान्त्रिकम् · tāntrikaṃ — Tantric

च · ca — and

एव · eva — indeed

पुराणोक्तम् · purāṇoktam — stated in Puranas

इति · iti — thus

त्रयम् · trayam — three

आराधनम् · ārādhanaṃ — worship

मे · me — My

जानीहि · jānīhi — know

कर्तव्यम् · kartavyam — to be done

मनुजैः · manujaiḥ — by humans

अज · aja — O Unborn One

हे अज! मे आराधनम् वैदिकम् तान्त्रिकम् पुराणोक्तम् इति त्रयम् मनुजैः कर्तव्यम् इति जानीहि।

Vedic · Tantric · and · indeed · stated in Puranas · thus · three · worship · My · know · to be done · by humans · O Unborn One

The Lord provides a categorical classification of worship, establishing the three foundational paths. This verse is crucial as it sets the scope for the diverse methods of worship that follow in the chapter.

The twice-born (dvījas) should always perform My worship with the Puruṣasūkta. Women and śūdras have no eligibility in this.

dvijāḥ puruṣasūktena pūjāṃ kuryuḥ sadā mama |

atra strīṇāñca śūdrāṇāmadhikāro na vidyate

द्विजाः · dvijāḥ — twice-born

पुरुषसूक्तेन · puruṣasūktena — with Purushasukta

पूजां · pūjāṃ — worship

कुर्युः · kuryuḥ — should perform

सदा · sadā — always

मम · mama — My

अत्र · atra — here

स्त्रीणाम् · strīṇām — of women

च · ca — and

शूद्राणाम् · śūdrāṇām — of shudras

अधिकारः · adhikāro — eligibility

न · na — not

विद्यते · vidyate — exists

द्विजाः सदा पुरुषसूक्तेन मम पूजां कुर्युः। अत्र स्त्रीणाम् शूद्राणाम् च अधिकारः न विद्यते।

twice-born · with Purushasukta · worship · should perform · always · My · here · of women · and · of shudras · eligibility · not · exists

This verse specifies the eligibility for Vedic worship, emphasizing the role of the Puruṣasūkta. It delineates the boundaries of ritual practice to maintain the sanctity of the Vedic tradition.

The Tantra was initially declared by Me to be of two kinds, O preceptor of the gods: Vaikhānasa and Pāñcarātra, according to the rules of worship.

tantraṃ ca dvividhaṃ proktamādau devaguro mayā

vaikhānasaṃ pāñcarātramiti pūjāvidhānataḥ

तन्त्रं · tantraṃ — Tantra

च · ca — and

द्विविधं · dvividhaṃ — two-fold

प्रोक्तम् · proktam — declared

आदौ · ādau — initially

देवगुरो · devaguro — O preceptor of gods

मया · mayā — by Me

वैखानसम् · vaikhānasam — Vaikhanasa

पाञ्चरात्रम् · pāñcarātram — Pancharatra

इति · iti — thus

पूजाविधानतः · pūjāvidhānataḥ — according to worship rules

हे देवगुरो! पूजाविधानतः वैखानसम् पाञ्चरात्रम् इति द्विविधं तन्त्रं मया आदौ प्रोक्तम्।

Tantra · and · two-fold · declared · initially · O preceptor of gods · by Me · Vaikhanasa · Pancharatra · thus · according to worship rules

The Lord introduces the Tantric path, specifically mentioning Vaikhānasa and Pāñcarātra. This provides the theological basis for temple worship as distinct from purely Vedic ritual.

In all temples, one should worship through the Tāntric path. Then, O Lotus-Seated One (Brahmā), I shall be very pleased.

ālayeṣu ca sarveṣu tantramārgeṇa pūjayet

suprasanno bhaviṣyāmi tadā sarasijāsana

आलयेषु · ālayeṣu — in temples

च · ca — and

सर्वेषु · sarveṣu — all

तन्त्रमार्गेण · tantramārgeṇa — by Tantric path

पूजयेत् · pūjayet — one should worship

सुप्रसन्नो · suprasanno — well-pleased

भविष्यामि · bhaviṣyāmi — I will be

तदा · tadā — then

सरसिजासन · sarasijāsana — O Lotus-Seated One

हे सरसिजासन! सर्वेषु आलयेषु तन्त्रमार्गेण पूजयेत्। तदा अहम् सुप्रसन्नः भविष्यामि।

in temples · and · all · by Tantric path · one should worship · well-pleased · I will be · then · O Lotus-Seated One

This verse mandates the Tantric path for temple worship, ensuring uniformity and divine pleasure. It addresses Brahmā directly, reinforcing the importance of the temple as a space for the Lord's manifestation.

By whichever Āgama My installation was performed, by that very Āgama one should worship in that particular temple.

yena yenāgamenaiva pratiṣṭhā vihitā mama |

tena tenāgamenaiva pūjayettattadālaye

येन · yena — by which

येन · yena — by which

आगमेन · āgamena — by Agama

एव · eva — indeed

प्रतिष्ठा · pratiṣṭhā — installation

विहिता · vihitā — performed

मम · mama — My

तेन · tena — by that

तेन · tena — by that

आगमेन · āgamena — by Agama

एव · eva — indeed

पूजयेत् · pūjayet — one should worship

तत्तदालये · tattadālaye — in that respective temple

येन येन आगमेन मम प्रतिष्ठा विहिता, तेन तेन आगमेन एव तत्तदालये पूजयेत्।

by which · by which · by Agama · indeed · installation · performed · My · by that · by that · by Agama · indeed · one should worship · in that respective temple

This verse establishes the principle of continuity in temple worship, requiring that the original Āgama used for installation be maintained. It ensures the integrity of the temple's spiritual tradition.

Śabarī, Vidura, and others gave Me fruits and the like. In this way, women and śūdras should always worship with love.

śabarīvidurādyāśca dadurmahyaṃ phalādikam|

evaṃ premṇā pūjayeyuḥ striyaḥ śūdrāśca santatam

शबरीविदुराद्याः · śabarīvidurādyāḥ — Shabari, Vidura and others

च · ca — and

ददुः · dadur — gave

मह्यम् · mahyaṃ — to Me

फलादिकम् · phalādikam — fruits etc.

एवम् · evaṃ — thus

प्रेम्णा · premṇā — with love

पूजयेयुः · pūjayeyuḥ — should worship

स्त्रियः · striyaḥ — women

शूद्राः · śūdrāḥ — shudras

च · ca — and

सन्ततम् · santatam — always

शबरीविदुराद्याः मह्यम् फलादिकम् ददुः। एवम् स्त्रियः शूद्राः च सन्ततम् प्रेम्णा पूजयेयुः।

Shabari, Vidura and others · and · gave · to Me · fruits etc. · thus · with love · should worship · women · shudras · and · always

The Lord cites historical examples of simple, loving devotion to validate the worship of women and śūdras. This serves as an inclusive message, emphasizing that love is the primary requirement for worship.

Steadfastness in one's own prescribed duty is declared a virtue. Transgressing one's own boundary would be harmful, like an improper diet with medicine.

sve sve'dhikāre yā niṣṭhā saguṇaḥ parikīrtitaḥ |

svamaryādā'tikramaṇamapathyaṃ syādivauṣadhe

स्वे · sve — in one's own

स्वेऽधिकारे · sve'dhikāre — in one's own duty

या · yā — which

निष्ठा · niṣṭhā — steadfastness

सगुणः · saguṇaḥ — virtue

परिकीर्तितः · parikīrtitaḥ — is declared

स्वमर्यादाऽतिक्रमणम् · svamaryādā'tikramaṇam — transgressing one's boundary

अपथ्यम् · apathyaṃ — harmful

स्यात् · syāt — would be

इव · iva — like

औषधे · auṣadhe — in medicine

स्वे स्वे अधिकारे या निष्ठा सा गुणः परिकीर्तितः। स्वमर्यादाऽतिक्रमणम् औषधे अपथ्यम् इव स्यात्।

in one's own · in one's own duty · which · steadfastness · virtue · is declared · transgressing one's boundary · harmful · would be · like · in medicine

This verse provides the ethical justification for adhering to one's prescribed duties. It warns against the dangers of overstepping one's role, comparing it to improper medical treatment.

O Caturmukha (Four-Faced One), for the upliftment of brāhmaṇas, kṣatriyas, vaiśyas, and śūdras, as well as women, the fifth group (pañcamas), the fallen, and sinners,

brāhmaṇakṣatriyaviśāṃ śūdrāṇāṃ ca caturmukha|

strīṇāṃ tathā pañcamānāṃ patitānāṃ ca pāpinām

ब्राह्मणक्षत्रियविशां · brāhmaṇakṣatriyaviśāṃ — of brahmanas, kshatriyas, vaishyas

शूद्राणां · śūdrāṇāṃ — of shudras

च · ca — and

चतुर्मुख · caturmukha — O Four-Faced One

स्त्रीणां · strīṇāṃ — of women

तथा · tathā — also

पञ्चमानां · pañcamānāṃ — of the fifth group

पतितानां · patitānāṃ — of the fallen

च · ca — and

पापिनाम् · pāpinām — of sinners

हे चतुर्मुख! ब्राह्मणक्षत्रियविशां शूद्राणां च, तथा स्त्रीणां, पञ्चमानां, पतितानां, पापिनां च (उद्धरणाय मया अवतारः कृतः)।

of brahmanas, kshatriyas, vaishyas · of shudras · and · O Four-Faced One · of women · also · of the fifth group · of the fallen · and · of sinners

The Lord explains the purpose of His incarnation: the upliftment of all beings, regardless of social status. This verse establishes the universal accessibility of the Lord through His deity form.

an incarnation has indeed been taken by Me out of compassion. By performing servitude to Me in any way whatsoever, O master,

uddhāraṇāya kṛpayā hyavatāraḥ kṛto mayā|

yenakenaprakāreṇa dāsyaṃ kṛtvā mama prabho

उद्धारणाय · uddhāraṇāya — for the sake of upliftment

कृपया · kṛpayā — out of compassion

हि · hi — indeed

अवतारः · avatāraḥ — incarnation

कृतः · kṛtaḥ — has been done

मया · mayā — by Me

येनकेनप्रकारेण · yenakenaprakāreṇa — by any means whatsoever

दास्यं · dāsyaṃ — servitude

कृत्वा · kṛtvā — having performed

मम · mama — to Me

प्रभो · prabho — O master

मया कृपया उद्धारणाय अवतारः कृतः हि। प्रभो, येन केन प्रकारेण मम दास्यं कृत्वा (जनाः तरन्ति)।

for the sake of upliftment · out of compassion · indeed · incarnation · has been done · by Me · by any means whatsoever · servitude · having performed · to Me · O master

This verse establishes the Lord's compassionate motive for incarnation, emphasizing that accessibility through service is the primary purpose of His descent.

people on earth shall be delivered from the dreadful ocean of worldly existence. In My deity incarnation (arcāvatāra), O Caturānana (Four-Faced One), I become easily accessible.

saṃsārasāgarāddhorāduttīrṇāḥ syurnarā bhuvi

arcāvatāre sulabho bhavāmi caturānana

संसारसागरात् · saṃsārasāgarāt — from the ocean of worldly existence

घोरात् · ghorāt — from the dreadful

उत्तीर्णाः · uttīrṇāḥ — delivered

स्युः · syuḥ — shall become

नराः · narāḥ — people

भुवि · bhuvi — on earth

अर्चावतारे · arcāvatāre — in the deity incarnation

सुलभः · sulabhaḥ — easily accessible

भवामि · bhavāmi — I become

चतुरानन · caturānana — O Four-Faced One

भुवि नराः घोरात् संसारसागरात् उत्तीर्णाः स्युः। चतुरानन, अर्चावतारे अहं सुलभः भवामि।

from the ocean of worldly existence · from the dreadful · delivered · shall become · people · on earth · in the deity incarnation · easily accessible · I become · O Four-Faced One

The Lord highlights the Arcāvatāra as the most accessible form, promising liberation from worldly suffering for those who approach Him in the temple.

Brāhmaṇas should worship Me, and temple priests (devalas) should perform service. Kṣatriyas should build many large temples for Me.

brāhmaṇāḥ pūjayeyurmāṃ paricaryāṃ ca devalāḥ

kṣatriyā mama kuryuśca viśālaṃ mandiraṃ bahu

ब्राह्मणाः · brāhmaṇāḥ — the brāhmaṇas

पूजयेयुः · pūjayeyuḥ — should worship

माम् · mām — Me

परिचर्यां · paricaryāṃ — service

च · ca — and

देवलाः · devalāḥ — temple priests

क्षत्रियाः · kṣatriyāḥ — the kṣatriyas

मम · mama — for Me

कुर्युः · kuryuḥ — should perform/build

विशालं · viśālaṃ — large/grand

मन्दिरं · mandiraṃ — temple

बहु · bahu — many

ब्राह्मणाः मां पूजयेयुः, देवलाः च परिचर्यां कुर्युः। क्षत्रियाः मम बहु विशालं मन्दिरं कुर्युः।

the brāhmaṇas · should worship · Me · service · and · temple priests · the kṣatriyas · for Me · should perform/build · large/grand · temple · many

This verse delineates the specific roles of the upper castes in the temple, establishing a structured community of service around the Lord.

Doorkeepers (kṣattāras) should perform the guarding of the gates everywhere for Me. And vaiśyas should procure supplies for the great kitchen.

kṣattāro mama kuryuśca sarvatrā dvārapālanam |

dravyasaṃpādanaṃ cāpi vaiśyāḥ kuryurmahānase

क्षत्तारः · kṣattāraḥ — doorkeepers

मम · mama — for Me

कुर्युः · kuryuḥ — should perform

सर्वत्र · sarvatra — everywhere

द्वारपालनम् · dvārapālanam — guarding of gates

द्रव्यसंपादनं · dravyasaṃpādanaṃ — procuring of supplies

च · ca — and

अपि · api — also

वैश्याः · vaiśyāḥ — the vaiśyas

महानसे · mahānase — for the great kitchen

क्षत्तारः मम सर्वत्र द्वारपालनं कुर्युः। वैश्याः अपि महानसे द्रव्यसंपादनं कुर्युः।

doorkeepers · for Me · should perform · everywhere · guarding of gates · procuring of supplies · and · also · the vaiśyas · for the great kitchen

The Lord assigns functional roles to the kṣattāras and vaiśyas, ensuring the security and material maintenance of the temple institution.

Śūdras should perform various kinds of service in My temple. Women should perform cleaning and plastering in My house, as well as the drawing of maṇḍalas, with faith and love.

śūdrā nānāvidhaṃ dāsyaṃ kuryuśca mama mandire |

striyaḥ kuryurmama gṛhe mārjanaṃ lepanaṃ tathā |

lekhanaṃ maṇḍalānāṃ ca śraddhayā premapūrvakam

शूद्राः · śūdrāḥ — the śūdras

नानाविधं · nānāvidhaṃ — various kinds of

दास्यं · dāsyaṃ — service

कुर्युः · kuryuḥ — should perform

मम · mama — in My

मन्दिरे · mandire — temple

स्त्रियः · striyaḥ — women

गृहे · gṛhe — in the house

मार्जनं · mārjanaṃ — cleaning

लेपनं · lepanaṃ — plastering

लेखनं · lekhanaṃ — drawing

मण्डलानां · maṇḍalānāṃ — of maṇḍalas

श्रद्धया · śraddhayā — with faith

प्रेमपूर्वकम् · premapūrvakam — with love

शूद्राः मम मन्दिरे नानाविधं दास्यं कुर्युः। स्त्रियः मम गृहे मार्जनं लेपनं तथा मण्डलानां लेखनं श्रद्धया प्रेमपूर्वकं कुर्युः।

the śūdras · various kinds of · service · should perform · in My · temple · women · in the house · cleaning · plastering · drawing · of maṇḍalas · with faith · with love

This verse emphasizes that service is not limited by caste or gender, highlighting the inclusive nature of devotional labor in the temple.

The fashioning of flower garlands, the cleaning of vessels in the temple, and also the lighting of lamps—these, women should do day after day.

puṣpamālākalpanaṃ ca mandire pātraśodhanam |

dīpānāṃ jvālanaṃ cāpi striyaḥ kuryurdine dine

पुष्पमालाकल्पनं · puṣpamālākalpanaṃ — fashioning of garlands

मन्दिरे · mandire — in the temple

पात्रशोधनम् · pātraśodhanam — cleaning of vessels

दीपानां · dīpānāṃ — of lamps

ज्वालनं · jvālanaṃ — lighting

स्त्रियः · striyaḥ — women

कुर्युः · kuryuḥ — should perform

दिने · dine — day

दिने · dine — day

स्त्रियः मन्दिरे पुष्पमालाकल्पनं पात्रशोधनं दीपानां ज्वालनं च दिने दिने कुर्युः।

fashioning of garlands · in the temple · cleaning of vessels · of lamps · lighting · women · should perform · day · day

The Lord specifies daily domestic-style duties for women, sanctifying mundane activities through the lens of devotional service.

Carpenters and chariot-makers should make vehicles and chariots. Blacksmiths should make ornaments, and potters should make pots.

takṣakā rathakārāśca vāhanāni rathāṃstathā|

karmārā bhūṣaṇānyeva kulālā bhāṇḍameva ca

तक्षकाः · takṣakāḥ — carpenters

रथकाराः · rathakārāḥ — chariot-makers

वाहनानि · vāhanāni — vehicles

रथान् · rathān — chariots

तथा · tathā — and

कर्माराः · karmārāḥ — blacksmiths

भूषणानि · bhūṣaṇāni — ornaments

कुलालाः · kulālāḥ — potters

भाण्डं · bhāṇḍaṃ — pots

तक्षकाः रथकाराः च वाहनानि रथान् तथा कुर्युः। कर्माराः भूषणानि एव, कुलालाः भाण्डं च (कुर्युः)।

carpenters · chariot-makers · vehicles · chariots · and · blacksmiths · ornaments · potters · pots

This verse integrates professional skills into the devotional framework, showing how every craft serves the Lord's majesty.

Weavers should perform the making of cloth, and washermen the cleaning of cloth. Dyers should apply colour for Me in My temple. Having made these, they should offer them with faith and devotion in My temple.

vāyakā vastranirmāṇaṃ rajakā vastraśodhanam

nirmāya śraddhayā dadyurbhaktyā ca mama mandire

raṅgakārāśca me raṅgaṃ kuryuśca mama mandire

वायकाः · vāyakāḥ — weavers

वस्त्रनिर्माणं · vastranirmāṇaṃ — making of cloth

रजकाः · rajakāḥ — washermen

वस्त्रशोधनं · vastraśodhanam — cleaning of cloth

निर्माय · nirmāya — having made

श्रद्धया · śraddhayā — with faith

दद्युः · dadyuḥ — should offer

भक्त्या · bhaktyā — with devotion

रङ्गकाराः · raṅgakārāḥ — dyers

रङ्गं · raṅgaṃ — colour

वायकाः वस्त्रनिर्माणं, रजकाः वस्त्रशोधनं निर्माय श्रद्धया भक्त्या च मम मन्दिरे दद्युः। रङ्गकाराः च मम मन्दिरे रङ्गं कुर्युः।

weavers · making of cloth · washermen · cleaning of cloth · having made · with faith · should offer · with devotion · dyers · colour

The Lord emphasizes that the act of creation itself becomes an offering when performed with faith and devotion in the temple.

In this way, humans, gandharvas, and also courtesans should, day after day, perform singing and dancing, and also the playing of musical instruments.

evaṃ manuṣyagandharvā veśyāścāpi dine dine |

gānaṃ ca nartanaṃ kuryurvādyānāṃ cāpi vādanam

एवं · evaṃ — in this way

मनुष्यगन्धर्वाः · manuṣyagandharvāḥ — humans and gandharvas

वेश्याः · veśyāḥ — courtesans

अपि · api — also

दिने दिने · dine dine — day after day

गानं · gānaṃ — singing

नर्तनं · nartanaṃ — dancing

कुर्युः · kuryuḥ — should perform

वाद्यानां · vādyānāṃ — of musical instruments

वादनं · vādanaṃ — playing

एवं मनुष्यगन्धर्वाः वेश्याः अपि दिने दिने गानं नर्तनं वाद्यानां वादनं च कुर्युः।

in this way · humans and gandharvas · courtesans · also · day after day · singing · dancing · should perform · of musical instruments · playing

The inclusion of all classes and professions in the arts of music and dance underscores the universal nature of devotional expression.

During the chariot festival, even caṇḍālas, outcastes, and heretics, if they see Me with devotion, they too become purified.

rathotsave'pi caṇḍālā narāḥ pāṣaṇḍinastathā |

māṃ paśyeyurbhaktipūrvaṃ tadā pūtā bhavanti ca

रथोत्सवे · rathotsave — during the chariot festival

चण्डालाः · caṇḍālāḥ — outcastes

नराः · narāḥ — people

पाषण्डिनः · pāṣaṇḍinaḥ — heretics

मां · mām — Me

पश्येयुः · paśyeyuḥ — should see

भक्तिपूर्वं · bhaktipūrvaṃ — with devotion

तदा · tadā — then

पूताः · pūtāḥ — purified

भवन्ति · bhavanti — they become

रथोत्सवे चण्डालाः नराः पाषण्डिनः तथा मां भक्तिपूर्वं पश्येयुः, तदा ते पूताः भवन्ति।

during the chariot festival · outcastes · people · heretics · Me · should see · with devotion · then · purified · they become

This verse highlights the transformative power of the Lord's presence during festivals, where even the marginalized are purified by His sight.

Farmers should, according to rule, grow crops in My fields and should gather the grains for My sake, O Caturānana.

kṛṣīvalāśca me kṣetre sasyaṃ kuryuryathāvidhi

āhareyuśca dhānyāni madarthaṃ caturānana

कृषीवलाः · kṛṣīvalāḥ — farmers

च · ca — and

मे · me — my

क्षेत्रे · kṣetre — in the field

सस्यम् · sasyaṃ — crops

कुर्युः · kuryuḥ — should grow

यथाविधि · yathāvidhi — according to rule

आहरेयुः · āhareyuḥ — should gather

धान्यानि · dhānyāni — grains

मदर्थम् · madartham — for my sake

चतुरानन · caturānana — O four-faced one

चतुरानन! कृषीवलाः मे क्षेत्रे यथाविधि सस्यं कुर्युः, मदर्थं धान्यानि च आहरेयुः।

farmers · and · my · in the field · crops · should grow · according to rule · should gather · grains · for my sake · O four-faced one

This verse specifies the role of the agrarian community, emphasizing that even mundane agricultural labor, when dedicated to the Lord, becomes a form of devotional service.

Cowherds, too, should protect the cows in My cattle-pen and shall provide the pañcagavya for the rites of My worship.

gopālā api me goṣṭhe kuryurgorakṣaṇaṃ tathā |

pañcagavyaṃ pradāsyanti mama pūjāvidhau nanu

गोपालाः · gopālāḥ — cowherds

अपि · api — also

मे · me — my

गोष्ठे · goṣṭhe — in the cattle-pen

कुर्युः · kuryuḥ — should perform

गोरक्षणम् · gorakṣaṇam — protection of cows

तथा · tathā — likewise

पञ्चगव्यम् · pañcagavyam — the five cow-products

प्रदास्यन्ति · pradāsyanti — will provide

मम · mama — my

पूजाविधौ · pūjāvidhau — in the method of worship

ननु · nanu — indeed

गोपालाः अपि मे गोष्ठे गोरक्षणं कुर्युः, तथा मम पूजाविधौ पञ्चगव्यं प्रदास्यन्ति ननु।

cowherds · also · my · in the cattle-pen · should perform · protection of cows · likewise · the five cow-products · will provide · my · in the method of worship · indeed

The Lord includes the cowherds in His service, highlighting the sanctity of the cow and the necessity of the five products (pañcagavya) in temple rituals.

In My temple, barbers should perform service for My worshipping priests (vipras), and also the tonsure of pilgrims and children.

madarcakāṇāṃ viprāṇāṃ nāpitāśca madālaye

sevāṃ kuryuryātrikānāṃ bālānāṃ muṇḍanaṃ tathā

मदर्चकाणाम् · madarcakāṇām — of those who worship me

विप्राणाम् · viprāṇām — of the priests

नापिताः · nāpitāḥ — barbers

च · ca — and

मदालये · madālaye — in my temple

सेवां · sevāṃ — service

कुर्युः · kuryuḥ — should perform

यात्रिकाणाम् · yātrikānām — of pilgrims

बालानाम् · bālānām — of children

मुण्डनम् · muṇḍanam — tonsure

तथा · tathā — also

मदालये नापिताः मदर्चकाणां विप्राणां सेवां कुर्युः, तथा यात्रिकाणां बालानां मुण्डनं च कुर्युः।

of those who worship me · of the priests · barbers · and · in my temple · service · should perform · of pilgrims · of children · tonsure · also

This verse illustrates the inclusivity of the temple space, where even service roles like those of barbers are sanctified by their contribution to the priests and pilgrims.

My temple is the livelihood for everyone in this world. What mortal would not serve Me? For I am the father of all.

sarveṣāmapi loke'smin jīvanaṃ mama mandiram|

ko na seveta māṃ martyaḥ sarveṣāṃ janako hyaham

सर्वेषाम् · sarveṣām — of all

अपि · api — indeed

लोकेऽस्मिन् · loke'smin — in this world

जीवनम् · jīvanam — livelihood

मम · mama — my

मन्दिरम् · mandiram — temple

कः · kaḥ — who

न · na — not

सेवेत · seveta — would serve

माम् · mām — me

मर्त्यः · martyaḥ — mortal

सर्वेषाम् · sarveṣām — of all

जनकः · janakaḥ — father

हि · hi — indeed

अहम् · aham — I

अस्मिन् लोके सर्वेषाम् जीवनं मम मन्दिरम्। अहं सर्वेषां जनकः हि, कः मर्त्यः मां न सेवेत?

of all · indeed · in this world · livelihood · my · temple · who · not · would serve · me · mortal · of all · father · indeed · I

The Lord establishes the temple as the central hub of existence, asserting His paternal relationship with all beings to encourage universal participation in His service.

By worshipping Me, the Lord of the Universe, daily according to their eligibility, O Caturānana, all people become happy-living.

yathādhikāraṃ māṃ nityamārādhya caturānana |

sarve janā jagannāthaṃ bhavanti sukhajīvinaḥ

यथाधिकारम् · yathādhikāram — according to eligibility

माम् · mām — me

नित्यम् · nityam — daily

आराध्य · ārādhya — having worshipped

चतुरानन · caturānana — O four-faced one

सर्वे · sarve — all

जनाः · janāḥ — people

जगन्नाथम् · jagannātham — the lord of the universe

भवन्ति · bhavanti — become

सुखजीविनः · sukhajīvinaḥ — happy-living

चतुरानन! यथाधिकारं जगन्नाथं मां नित्यम् आराध्य सर्वे जनाः सुखजीविनः भवन्ति।

according to eligibility · me · daily · having worshipped · O four-faced one · all · people · the lord of the universe · become · happy-living

This verse clarifies that happiness is a natural byproduct of serving the Lord according to one's own capacity and station in life.

Performing service here and thus accomplishing their life's journey, they will also go hereafter to My supreme abode.

ihāpi sevāṃ kurvanto dehayātrāṃ vidhāya ca

paratrāpi gamiṣyanti padaṃ hi paramaṃ mama

इह · iha — here

अपि · api — also

सेवां · sevāṃ — service

कुर्वन्तः · kurvantaḥ — doing

देहयात्रां · dehayātrāṃ — life's journey

विधाय · vidhāya — having accomplished

च · ca — and

परत्र · paratra — hereafter

अपि · api — also

गमिष्यन्ति · gamiṣyanti — will go

पदम् · padam — abode

हि · hi — indeed

परमम् · paramam — supreme

मम · mama — my

इह अपि सेवां कुर्वन्तः देहयात्रां विधाय च, ते परत्र अपि मम परमं पदं गमिष्यन्ति।

here · also · service · doing · life's journey · having accomplished · and · hereafter · also · will go · abode · indeed · supreme · my

The Lord promises that service in the temple not only sustains life on earth but also serves as the bridge to the ultimate spiritual destination.

Service to the deity incarnation (arcāvatāra) is indeed easily available to people in this world; it is obtained only through merit acquired in a previous birth.

arcāvatārasevā hi sulabhā bhuvane nṛṇām

janmāntarakṛtenaiva puṇyenaiva hi labhyā

अर्चावतारसेवा · arcāvatārasevā — service to the deity

हि · hi — indeed

सुलभा · sulabhā — easily available

भुवने · bhuvane — in the world

नृणाम् · nṛṇām — for humans

जन्मान्तरकृतेन · janmāntarakṛtena — done in a previous birth

एव · eva — only

पुण्येन · puṇyena — by merit

लभ्या · labhyā — is obtained

भुवने नृणां कृते अर्चावतारसेवा हि सुलभा, सा जन्मान्तरकृतेन पुण्येन एव लभ्या।

service to the deity · indeed · easily available · in the world · for humans · done in a previous birth · only · by merit · is obtained

This verse underscores the accessibility of the Arcāvatāra, while reminding the devotee that the inclination to serve is a fruit of past merit.

Those yogis who are self-controlled and capable of meditation, let them go to a mountain cave and perform meditation constantly.

dhyānaṃ kartuñca ye śaktā yoginastu jitendriyāḥ |

kurvantu te dhyānameva nityaṃ śailaguhāṃ gatāḥ

ध्यानम् · dhyānam — meditation

कर्तुम् · kartum — to do

च · ca — and

ये · ye — those who

शक्ताः · śaktāḥ — capable

योगिनः · yoginaḥ — yogis

तु · tu — but

जितेन्द्रियाः · jitendriyāḥ — self-controlled

कुर्वन्तु · kurvantu — let them perform

ते · te — they

ध्यानम् · dhyānam — meditation

एव · eva — only

नित्यम् · nityam — constantly

शैलगुहाम् · śailaguhām — mountain cave

गताः · gatāḥ — having gone

ये जितेन्द्रियाः योगिनः ध्यानं कर्तुं शक्ताः, ते शैलगुहां गताः नित्यं ध्यानम् एव कुर्वन्तु।

meditation · to do · and · those who · capable · yogis · but · self-controlled · let them perform · they · meditation · only · constantly · mountain cave · having gone

The Lord distinguishes between the path of solitary meditation for yogis and the path of communal celebration in the temple, validating both but emphasizing the latter for the masses.

But My temple, O best of beings, is for daily festival. Therefore, one should perform a daily festival, a spectacle of song and dance.

kintu me mandiraṃ nityamutsavāyaiva sattama |

tasmānnityotsavaṃ kuryādgānanāṭyakutūhalam

किन्तु · kintu — but

मे · me — my

मन्दिरम् · mandiram — temple

नित्यम् · nityam — daily

उत्सवाय · utsavāya — for festival

एव · eva — only

सत्तम · sattama — O best of beings

तस्मात् · tasmāt — therefore

नित्योत्सवम् · nityotsavam — daily festival

कुर्यात् · kuryāt — one should perform

गाननाट्यकुतूहलम् · gānanāṭyakutūhalam — spectacle of song and dance

सत्तम! किन्तु मे मन्दिरं नित्यम् उत्सवाय एव, तस्मात् गाननाट्यकुतूहलं नित्योत्सवं कुर्यात्।

but · my · temple · daily · for festival · only · O best of beings · therefore · daily festival · one should perform · spectacle of song and dance

The Lord explicitly defines the temple's purpose as a place of joy and celebration, contrasting it with the ascetic path to encourage a vibrant devotional culture.

With various ornaments and decorations that give delight to the eyes, and with various instruments and songs that give delight to the ears,

nānālaṅkāraśṛṅgārairnetrānandapradaistathā |

nānāvādyaiśca gānaiśca śrotrānandapradaistathā

नानालङ्कारशृङ्गारैः · nānālaṅkāraśṛṅgārair — with various ornaments and decorations

नेत्रानन्दप्रदैः · netrānandapradais — that delight the eyes

तथा · tathā — also

नानावाद्यैः · nānāvādyaiḥ — with various instruments

च · ca — and

गानैः · gānaiḥ — with songs

च · ca — and

श्रोत्रानन्दप्रदैः · śrotrānandapradais — that delight the ears

तथा · tathā — also

नेत्रानन्दप्रदैः नानालङ्कारशृङ्गारैः तथा श्रोत्रानन्दप्रदैः नानावाद्यैः गानैः च (पूजयेत्)।

with various ornaments and decorations · that delight the eyes · also · with various instruments · and · with songs · and · that delight the ears · also

This verse details the sensory engagement in worship, showing how the Lord uses beauty and art to draw all souls, regardless of their spiritual maturity, toward Him.

with various incenses and fragrances that give delight to the nose, and with various great food offerings (mahāprasāda) that give delight to the tongue,

nānādhūpasugandhaiśca ghrāṇānandapradaistathā|

nānāmahāprasādaiśca jihvānandapradaistathā

नाना · nānā — various

धूप · dhūpa — incense

सुगन्धैः · sugandhaiḥ — with fragrances

च · ca — and

घ्राण · ghrāṇa — nose

आनन्द · ānanda — delight

प्रदैः · pradaiḥ — givers of

तथा · tathā — also

नाना · nānā — various

महाप्रसादैः · mahāprasādaiḥ — with great food offerings

जिह्वा · jihvā — tongue

आनन्द · ānanda — delight

प्रदैः · pradaiḥ — givers of

नानाधूपसुगन्धैः घ्राणानन्दप्रदैः तथा नानामहाप्रसादैः जिह्वानन्दप्रदैः च (पूजयेत्)।

various · incense · with fragrances · and · nose · delight · givers of · also · various · with great food offerings · tongue · delight · givers of

This verse details the sensory engagement in worship, emphasizing that the Lord accepts offerings that delight the senses as a means of drawing devotees closer. It highlights the aesthetic and sensory richness of the temple atmosphere.

one should attract all the ignorant, the lowly, and the sense-uncontrolled, and by any means whatsoever, make them see Me, the ocean of mercy.

ākṛṣya mūḍhānakhilān pāmarānajitendriyān |

darśayenmāṃ kṛpāsindhuṃ yenakenāpi karmaṇā

आकृष्य · ākṛṣya — having attracted

मूढान् · mūḍhān — the ignorant

अखिलान् · akhilān — all

पामरान् · pāmarān — the lowly

अजित · ajita — unconquered

इन्द्रियान् · indriyān — senses

दर्शयेत् · darśayet — one should make them see

माम् · mām — Me

कृपा · kṛpā — mercy

सिन्धुम् · sindhum — ocean

येनकेनापि · yenakenāpi — by any means whatsoever

कर्मणा · karmaṇā — by action

अखिलान् मूढान् पामरान् अजितइन्द्रियान् आकृष्य, येनकेनापि कर्मणा मां कृपासिन्धुं दर्शयेत्।

having attracted · the ignorant · all · the lowly · unconquered · senses · one should make them see · Me · mercy · ocean · by any means whatsoever · by action

The Lord instructs that the goal of temple worship is to attract even the most spiritually ignorant or undisciplined individuals. By engaging them through sensory beauty, they are brought into the presence of the Lord's mercy.

I am the saviour of the lowly people from the ocean of worldly existence; having taken this deity form, I thus remain, O Caturānana.

pāmarāṇāṃ janānāṃ hi tārako'haṃ bhavārṇavāt

arcārūpaṃ gṛhītvaivaṃ tiṣṭhāmi caturānana

पामराणाम् · pāmarāṇām — of the lowly

जनानाम् · janānām — of people

हि · hi — indeed

तारकः · tārakaḥ — saviour

अहम् · aham — I

भव · bhava — worldly

अर्णवात् · arṇavāt — from the ocean

अर्चारूपम् · arcārūpam — deity form

गृहीत्वा · gṛhītvā — having taken

एवम् · evam — thus

तिष्ठामि · tiṣṭhāmi — I remain

चतुरानन · caturānana — O Four-Faced One

चतुरानन, अहं पामराणां जनानां भवअर्णवात् तारकः हि; एवम् अर्चारूपं गृहीत्वा तिष्ठामि।

of the lowly · of people · indeed · saviour · I · worldly · from the ocean · deity form · having taken · thus · I remain · O Four-Faced One

The Lord explains His rationale for taking the Arcāvatāra (deity) form: it is specifically to act as a bridge for the lowly to cross the ocean of worldly existence.

Having obtained My service by some means or other, even by chance, ignorant people shall certainly attain welfare.

yenakenaprakāreṇa matsevāṃ ca yadṛcchayā |

prāpya mūḍhā manuṣyāśca prāpnuyurmaṅgalaṃ nanu

येनकेन · yenakena — by some

प्रकारेण · prakāreṇa — means

मत् · mat — My

सेवां · sevāṃ — service

च · ca — and

यदृच्छया · yadṛcchayā — by chance

प्राप्य · prāpya — having obtained

मूढाः · mūḍhāḥ — ignorant

मनुष्याः · manuṣyāḥ — humans

प्राप्नुयुः · prāpnuyuḥ — shall attain

मङ्गलम् · maṅgalam — welfare

ननु · nanu — certainly

येनकेन प्रकारेण यदृच्छया च मत्सेवां प्राप्य, मूढाः मनुष्याः ननु मङ्गलं प्राप्नुयुः।

by some · means · My · service · and · by chance · having obtained · ignorant · humans · shall attain · welfare · certainly

This verse emphasizes the accessibility of the Lord's grace, suggesting that even accidental or casual contact with the Lord's service leads to spiritual welfare for the ignorant.

Through My worship, there will surely be rain in season and water in the rivers, and there will be an abundance of crops on the earth.

kāle vṛṣṭirbhavennūnaṃ nadīṣu ca jalaṃ tathā

pṛthvyāṃ sasyābhivṛddhiśca bhaveddhi mama pūjanāt

काले · kāle — in season

वृष्टिः · vṛṣṭiḥ — rain

भवेत् · bhavet — shall be

नূনम् · nūnam — surely

नदीषु · nadīṣu — in rivers

जलम् · jalam — water

तथा · tathā — also

पृथ्व्याम् · pṛthvyām — on the earth

सस्य · sasya — crops

अभिवृद्धिः · abhivṛddhiḥ — abundance

मम · mama — My

पूजनात् · pūjanāt — from worship

मम पूजनात् काले वृष्टिः नूनं भवेत्, नदीषु जलं तथा पृथ्व्यां सस्यअभिवृद्धिः च भवेत्।

in season · rain · shall be · surely · in rivers · water · also · on the earth · crops · abundance · My · from worship

The Lord describes the cosmic and social benefits of His worship, linking the prosperity of the environment and the state of the world directly to the performance of temple rites.

All people shall be happy and free from illness. They will obtain wealth, longevity, health, riches, and progeny,

sarve janāśca sukhino bhaveyuśca nirāmayāḥ

aiśvaryamāyurārogyaṃ dhanaṃ santānameva ca

सर्वे · sarve — all

जनाः · janāḥ — people

सुखिनः · sukhinaḥ — happy

भवेयुः · bhaveyuḥ — shall be

निरामयाः · nirāmayāḥ — free from illness

ऐश्वर्यम् · aiśvaryam — wealth

आयुः · āyuḥ — longevity

आरोग्यम् · ārogyam — health

धनम् · dhanam — riches

सन्तानम् · santānam — progeny

एव · eva — indeed

च · ca — and

सर्वे जनाः सुखिनः निरामयाः च भवेयुः; ऐश्वर्यम् आयुः आरोग्यं धनं सन्तानम् एव च (प्राप्नुयुः)।

all · people · happy · shall be · free from illness · wealth · longevity · health · riches · progeny · indeed · and

Continuing the previous thought, the Lord enumerates the personal and material blessings that accrue to those who participate in the worship, ensuring a holistic well-being.

as well as spouses and homes, and always contentment. When I am well-pleased, all people obtain these, and the supreme goal as well.

tathā dārān gṛhāṃścaiva sadā santoṣameva ca

labhante mayi suprīte narāḥ sarve tathā param

तथा · tathā — also

दारान् · dārān — spouses

गृहान् · gṛhān — homes

च · ca — and

एव · eva — indeed

सदा · sadā — always

सन्तोषम् · santoṣam — contentment

लभन्ते · labhante — they obtain

मयि · mayi — when I am

सुप्रीते · suprīte — well-pleased

नराः · narāḥ — people

सर्वे · sarve — all

परम् · param — supreme goal

मयि सुप्रीते सति, सर्वे नराः दारान् गृहान् सदा सन्तोषम् तथा परं च लभन्ते।

also · spouses · homes · and · indeed · always · contentment · they obtain · when I am · well-pleased · people · all · supreme goal

This verse concludes the list of benefits, adding that the ultimate satisfaction and the supreme goal (Moksha) are also attained when the Lord is pleased with the devotee's service.

Therefore, O Caturānana, in the sacred Divya Deśas, you should conduct great festivals with great joy and filled with wonder.

**Thus the seventh chapter, named "The Method of Worship," in the Fourth Part of the Divyadeśavaibhavam, composed by Śrī Kṛṣṇapremi Mahāprabhu.**

tasmāddeśeṣu divyeṣu kuru tvaṃ caturānana

mahotsavaṃ praharṣeṇa kutūhalasamanvitaḥ

तस्मात् · tasmāt — therefore

देशेषु · deśeṣu — in the abodes

दिव्येषु · divyeṣu — sacred

कुरु · kuru — do

त्वम् · tvam — you

चतुरानन · caturānana — O Four-Faced One

महोत्सवम् · mahotsavam — great festival

प्रहर्षेण · praharṣeṇa — with great joy

कुतूहल · kutūhala — wonder

समन्वितः · samanvitaḥ — filled with

तस्मात् चतुरानन, त्वं दिव्येषु देशेषु कुतूहलसमन्वितः प्रहर्षेण महोत्सवं कुरु।

therefore · in the abodes · sacred · do · you · O Four-Faced One · great festival · with great joy · wonder · filled with

The chapter concludes with a direct command to Brahmā to establish and celebrate festivals in the Divya Deśas, reinforcing the importance of joy and wonder in the devotional life.