Chapter summary
अयोध्याप्रस्थानम् Ayodhyā Prasthānam
The Revered Guru said: Then, Lord Hari, the Supreme Master, residing within the Raṅga Vimāna, bestowed Himself, along with the celestial chariot, upon Hiraṇyagarbha [Brahmā, the creator god]. That supreme, auspicious Vimāna, radiating the brilliance of a million suns, suddenly soared into the sky and ascended to Brahmaloka. (v.1-2)
The inhabitants of Brahmaloka, led by the sage Marīci, were filled with profound wonder upon beholding the divine Raṅga Vimāna. For six Manvantaras [a cosmic age lasting millions of years], Brahmā, accompanied by Marīci and other celestial beings, worshipped Lord Raṅganātha with unwavering devotion, day after day. (v.3-4)
In this seventh Manvantara, the great Vaivasvata Manu, renowned as Śrāddhadeva, reigns as the lord and protector of the world. He established the city of Ayodhyā on the banks of the sacred Sarayū River and governed the earth from that very seat. (v.5-6)
One day, Manu chanced to visit Brahmaloka, where he beheld the magnificent, resplendent divine Vimāna. Within the Raṅga Vimāna, he saw the God reclining on the serpent couch, His chest broad, His eyes like blossoming lotuses. This Puruṣa, with arms extending to His knees, His neck adorned with the luminous Kaustubha gem, wore a crown and earrings, and was draped in golden garments. Though seemingly engaged in yogic sleep, He is all-knowing and the protector of all; He is the Lord Padmanābha, Mādhava, ever affectionate to His devotees. (v.7-10)
Upon seeing Him, Manu's eyes moistened with tears of love, and his hair stood on end. He then praised the Lord of all worlds, who is ever compassionate to those who seek His refuge. (v.11)
**Manu said:**
"O Lord! Having created the universe Yourself, You then enter into it to sport, and thereafter, withdrawing from all activity, You dissolve it and rest in sleep. In the beginning, at the end, and throughout the middle, O Viṣṇu, You alone truly exist, illuminating all creation by Your own light. (v.12-13)
"You shine forth, O Mukunda, upon the king of serpents who has become Your couch. O Acyuta, Lord of the worlds, O lotus-eyed one, I behold You alone, both within and without all things. Keeping this entire universe within Your belly, You lie in yogic sleep. And again, O Ananta, You manifest the entire world externally, just as a spider spins its web. (v.14-15)
"Therefore, You alone are the father of all beings; without You, O God, nothing exists. Such a God, endless and primeval, reclining on the serpent, I worship always. Like a father to his son, O Viṣṇu, You Yourself bestow good upon me, O God. This supplication is redundant, O Murāri, for I perceive Your compassion everywhere. (v.16-17)
"Nevertheless, O friend of the poor, O friend of the world, please hear my request: In birth after birth, O Lord, I desire only unwavering devotion to Your lotus feet. Salutations to the God of gods, to Viṣṇu, the Supreme Self, who pervades this world both within and without, the one who lies on the serpent. Salutations, salutations, O Raṅganātha! O Lord of Ramā, salutations to You. Grant me only service to You in birth after birth." (v.18-20)
**The Revered Guru said:**
Thus prayed to by Vaivasvata Manu, Lord Hari, the lotus-eyed one, ever eager to bestow grace upon His devotees, spoke. (v.21)
**The Lord said:**
"O King, what you have uttered as a hymn to Me is indeed true. Know Me to be the one, eternal origin of all the worlds. By the mere sight of Me, your knowledge has been illumined, as has your dispassion for worldly objects and your devotion to Me, O King. Take Me, situated in the Raṅga Vimāna, O lord of the earth, and go to the earth. There, worship Me day after day." (v.22-24)
**The Revered Guru said:**
Thus instructed by Viṣṇu, King Vaivasvata Manu, having also received permission from Brahmā for the welfare of all worlds, brought Viṣṇu, situated in the Raṅga Vimāna, with a pleased mind. Returning to Ayodhyā, he installed Mādhava there. (v.25-26)
Day after day, with devotion, he worshipped Him alongside the Vaiṣṇavas. He also instituted a grand festival, which brought immense joy to the world. All the people, beholding the Lord of the world, the Lord of Śrī, reclining on Śeṣa, attained supreme joy each day. (v.27-28)
Rain fell in due season, the earth became rich with abundant crops, food became plentiful, and the country prospered. All the people of Kośala were filled with joy, dedicated to their respective duties, firm in their faith, and devout worshipers of the Lord. (v.29-30)
Manu, prompted by his guru Vasiṣṭha, the son of Brahmā, also performed a sacrifice dedicated to the worship of Viṣṇu. (v.31)
Thus, the thirteenth chapter, named "The Journey to Ayodhya," in the Fourth Part of the Divyadeśavaibhavam, composed by Śrī Kṛṣṇapremi Mahāprabhu.
