भीष्मजननम् Bhīṣma Jananam

The Sadguru said:

There was a king named Śantanu in the lunar dynasty, of great strength, righteous, true to his word, and dedicated to the protection of Dharma.

śrīsadgururuvāca

śantanurnāma rājā''sīccandravaṃśe mahābalaḥ |

dharmātmā satyasandhaśca dharmarakṣaṇatatparaḥ

शन्तनुः · śantanuḥ — King Śantanu

नाम · nāma — by name

राजा · rājā — the king

आसीत् · āsīt — was

चन्द्रवंशे · candravaṃśe — in the lunar dynasty

महाबलः · mahābalaḥ — of great strength

धर्मात्मा · dharmātmā — righteous-souled

सत्यसन्धः · satyasandhaḥ — true to his word

धर्मरक्षणतत्परः · dharmarakṣaṇatatparaḥ — dedicated to protecting Dharma

चन्द्रवंशे महाबलः शन्तनुर्नाम राजा आसीत्। सः धर्मात्मा सत्यसन्धः धर्मरक्षणतत्परः च अभवत्।

King Śantanu · by name · the king · was · in the lunar dynasty · of great strength · righteous-souled · true to his word · dedicated to protecting Dharma

This verse introduces King Śantanu, establishing his noble character and the significance of his name, which is derived from his ability to bestow peace upon others.

Whomever he touched with his hands, if old, would attain youth. He would also attain supreme peace (śānti); by that deed, he was known as Śantanu.

yaṃ yaṃ karābhyāṃ spṛśati jīrṇaṃ yauvanameti saḥ |

śāntimāpnoti caivāgrayāṃ karmaṇā tena śantanuḥ

यं यम् · yaṃ yam — whomever

कराभ्याम् · karābhyāṃ — with his hands

स्पृशति · spṛśati — he touches

जीर्णम् · jīrṇam — the aged person

यौवनम् · yauvanam — youth

एति · eti — attains

सः · saḥ — he

शान्तिम् · śāntim — peace

आप्नोति · āpnoti — obtains

अग्रयाम् · agrayām — supreme

कर्मणा · karmaṇā — by that deed

तेन · tena — by that

शन्तनुः · śantanuḥ — he is Śantanu

सः यं यं जीर्णं कराभ्यां स्पृशति, सः यौवनम् एति। सः अग्रयां शान्तिम् आप्नोति, तेन कर्मणा सः शन्तनुः इति ख्यातः।

whomever · with his hands · he touches · the aged person · youth · attains · he · peace · obtains · supreme · by that deed · by that · he is Śantanu

This verse explains the etymology of the name 'Śantanu' and highlights his miraculous power to restore youth, setting the stage for his divine stature.

The king did not obtain progeny from his worthy wives, even after performing various kinds of meritorious deeds.

na lebhe santatiṃ rājā dāreṣu sadṛśeṣvapi |

nānāvidhāni puṇyāṇi karmāṇi suvidhāya ca

न · na — not

लेभे · lebhe — obtained

सन्ततिम् · santatim — progeny

राजा · rājā — the king

दारेषु · dāreṣu — in his wives

सदृशेषु · sadṛśeṣu — worthy/equal

अपि · api — even

नानाविधानि · nānāvidhāni — various kinds of

पुण्याणि · puṇyāṇi — meritorious

कर्माणि · karmāṇi — deeds

सुविधाय · suvidhāya — having performed

राजा नानाविधानि पुण्याणि कर्माणि सुविधाय अपि, सदृशेषु दारेषु सन्ततिं न लेभे।

not · obtained · progeny · the king · in his wives · worthy/equal · even · various kinds of · meritorious · deeds · having performed

Despite his greatness, the king's lack of progeny creates a narrative tension, prompting him to seek the guidance of a sage.

Once, that king, having duly worshipped the revered Parāśara, spoke with folded hands after bowing to him.

sa ekadā praṇamyāha bhagavantaṃ parāśaram |

yathāvidhi samabhyarcya kṛtāñjalipuṭo nṛpaḥ

सः · saḥ — he

एकदा · ekadā — once

प्रणम्य · praṇamya — having bowed

आह · āha — spoke

भगवन्तम् · bhagavantam — the revered

पराशरम् · parāśaram — Parāśara

यथाविधि · yathāvidhi — according to rules

समभ्यर्च्य · samabhyarcya — having worshipped

कृताञ्जलिपुटः · kṛtāñjalipuṭaḥ — with folded hands

नृपः · nṛpaḥ — the king

सः नृपः एकदा भगवन्तं पराशरं यथाविधि समभ्यर्च्य, प्रणम्य, कृताञ्जलिपुटः सन् आह।

he · once · having bowed · spoke · the revered · Parāśara · according to rules · having worshipped · with folded hands · the king

This verse depicts the king's humility and adherence to protocol, showing his readiness to receive divine instruction.

The King said:

O best of Brahmins, my lineage, which arose from King Soma and was expanded by Purūravas, Yayāti, and Bharata,

rājovāca

somarājena sañjāto vaṃśo me brāhmaṇottama |

purūravayayātibhyāṃ bharatena ca vardhitaḥ

सोमराजेन · somarājena — by King Soma

सञ्जातः · sañjātaḥ — originated

वंशः · vaṃśaḥ — lineage

मे · me — my

ब्राह्मणोत्तम · brāhmaṇottama — O best of Brahmins

पुरूरवययातिभ्याम् · purūravayayātibhyāṃ — by Purūravas and Yayāti

भरतेन · bharatena — by Bharata

च · ca — and

वर्धितः · vardhitaḥ — expanded

ब्राह्मणोत्तम! सोमराजेन सञ्जातः मे वंशः पुरूरवययातिभ्यां भरतेन च वर्धितः।

by King Soma · originated · lineage · my · O best of Brahmins · by Purūravas and Yayāti · by Bharata · and · expanded

The king establishes the historical gravity of his lineage, emphasizing that the potential end of his dynasty is a matter of great concern.

is being cut off due to my own past sin, O Lord. O crest-jewel of sages, please extend that lineage of progeny through your grace.

mamaiva pūrvapāpena vicchinno bhavati prabho |

taṃ vardhaya prajātantuṃ kṛpayā munipuṅgava

मम · mama — my

एव · eva — own

पूर्वपापेन · pūrvapāpena — by past sin

विच्छिन्नः · vicchinnaḥ — cut off

भवति · bhavati — is becoming

प्रभो · prabho — O Lord

तम् · taṃ — that

वर्धय · vardhaya — extend

प्रजातन्तुम् · prajātantuṃ — lineage of progeny

कृपया · kṛpayā — by grace

मुनिपुङ्गव · munipuṅgava — O crest-jewel of sages

प्रभो! मम एव पूर्वपापेन सः वंशः विच्छिन्नः भवति। मुनिपुङ्गव! कृपया तं प्रजातन्तुं वर्धय।

my · own · by past sin · cut off · is becoming · O Lord · that · extend · lineage of progeny · by grace · O crest-jewel of sages

The king identifies his own past sins as the cause of his current suffering, showing his self-awareness and humility before the sage.

All the ancestors are satisfied and the family deities are pleased only by the birth of good progeny, O best of all who know the scriptures.

tṛpyanti pitaraḥ sarve tuṣyanti kuladevatāḥ |

satprajājananenaiva sarvaśāstravidāṃ vara

तृप्यन्ति · tṛpyanti — are satisfied

पितरः · pitaraḥ — ancestors

सर्वे · sarve — all

तुष्यन्ति · tuṣyanti — are pleased

कुलदेवताः · kuladevatāḥ — family deities

सत्प्रजाजननेन · satprajājananena — by the birth of good progeny

एव · eva — only

सर्वशास्त्रविदां · sarvaśāstravidāṃ — of those who know all scriptures

वर · vara — O best

सर्वशास्त्रविदां वर! सत्प्रजाजननेन एव सर्वे पितरः तृप्यन्ति, कुलदेवताः च तुष्यन्ति।

are satisfied · ancestors · all · are pleased · family deities · by the birth of good progeny · only · of those who know all scriptures · O best

The king articulates the spiritual necessity of having a son, grounding his request in the traditional duty of satisfying ancestors and deities.

A son repays this debt to the ancestors on earth through progeny. I know this scripture, but I do not know the way.

etatpitṛṛṇaṃ putraḥ prajayā pūrayedbhuvi |

evaṃ śāstraṃ ca jānāmi kintu mārgaṃ na vedmyaham

एतत् · etat — this

पितृऋणम् · pitṛṛṇam — debt to ancestors

पुत्रः · putraḥ — a son

प्रजया · prajayā — through progeny

पूरयेत् · pūrayet — should fulfill

भुवि · bhuvi — on earth

एवम् · evam — thus

शास्त्रम् · śāstram — scripture

च · ca — and

जानामि · jānāmi — I know

किन्तु · kintu — but

मार्गम् · mārgam — the way

न · na — not

वेद्मि · vedmi — I know

अहम् · aham — I

पुत्रः भुवि प्रजया एतत् पितृऋणं पूरयेत् इति शास्त्रं च अहं जानामि, किन्तु मार्गं न वेद्मि।

this · debt to ancestors · a son · through progeny · should fulfill · on earth · thus · scripture · and · I know · but · the way · not · I know · I

The king acknowledges his scriptural knowledge but admits his inability to find the practical path, highlighting the need for a guru's guidance.

To protect the family duties and the duties of a king, O crest-jewel of sages, I desire a virtuous son, the best among devotees of Hari.

kuladharmaṃ rājadharmaṃ rakṣituṃ munipuṅgava |

putramicchāmi suguṇaṃ haribhaktimatāṃ varam

कुलधर्मम् · kuladharmam — family duties

राजधर्मम् · rājadharmam — kingly duties

रक्षितुम् · rakṣitum — to protect

मुनिपुङ्गव · munipuṅgava — O crest-jewel of sages

पुत्रम् · putram — a son

इच्छामि · icchāmi — I desire

सुगुणम् · suguṇam — virtuous

हरिभक्तिमताम् · haribhaktimatāṃ — of those who have devotion to Hari

वरम् · varam — the best

मुनिपुङ्गव! कुलधर्मं राजधर्मं च रक्षितुम् अहं सुगुणं हरिभक्तिमतां वरं पुत्रम् इच्छामि।

family duties · kingly duties · to protect · O crest-jewel of sages · a son · I desire · virtuous · of those who have devotion to Hari · the best

The king specifies his desire for a son who is not only virtuous but also a devotee of Hari, aligning his personal goal with spiritual excellence.

Śrī Parāśara said:

Do not grieve, O great king, there is no sin in you in this life. A misdeed done in a previous birth is surely the obstacle.

śrīparāśara uvāca

mā viṣīda mahārāja tvayi pāpaṃ na vidyate |

janmāntarakṛtaṃ nūnaṃ duṣkṛtaṃ pratibandhakam

मा · mā — do not

विषीद · viṣīda — grieve

महाराज · mahārāja — O great king

त्वयि · tvayi — in you

पापम् · pāpam — sin

न · na — not

विद्यते · vidyate — exists

जन्मान्तरकृतम् · janmāntarakṛtam — done in a previous birth

नूनम् · nūnam — surely

दुष्कृतम् · duṣkṛtam — misdeed

प्रतिबन्धकम् · pratibandhakam — the obstacle

महाराज! मा विषीद, त्वयि पापं न विद्यते। जन्मान्तरकृतं दुष्कृतं नूनं प्रतिबन्धकम् अस्ति।

do not · grieve · O great king · in you · sin · not · exists · done in a previous birth · surely · misdeed · the obstacle

Parāśara reassures the king, shifting the focus from present guilt to past karma, which provides the necessary context for the subsequent spiritual remedy.

He by whom an abortion was caused, whether of his own or of another, by medicine or by poison, has no son.

garbhacchedaḥ kṛto yena svasya vātha parasya vā |

auṣadhena viṣeṇāpi tasya putro na vidyate

गर्भच्छेदः · garbhacchedaḥ — abortion or destruction of a fetus

कृतः · kṛtaḥ — done or caused

येन · yena — by whom

स्वस्य · svasya — of one's own

वा · vā — or

परस्य · parasya — of another

औषधेन · auṣadhena — by medicine

विषेण · viṣeṇa — by poison

अपि · api — even

तस्य · tasya — his

पुत्रः · putraḥ — son

न · na — not

विद्यते · vidyate — exists

येन स्वस्य वा परस्य वा गर्भच्छेदः औषधेन विषेण वा कृतः, तस्य पुत्रः न विद्यते।

abortion or destruction of a fetus · done or caused · by whom · of one's own · or · of another · by medicine · by poison · even · his · son · not · exists

This verse explains the karmic causes for being childless, establishing the gravity of past actions. It sets the stage for the King to realize that his current predicament is a result of specific moral transgressions.

For those who kill infants, whether by another's hand or their own, and for those who abandon their lawful wife, the fortune of a son does not exist.

śiśuhatyāṃ kurvatāṃ ca parato vā svato'pi vā |

tyajatāṃ dharmadārāṃśca putrabhāgyaṃ na vidyate

शिशुहत्याम् · śiśuhatyām — infanticide

कुर्वताम् · kurvatām — for those doing

च · ca — and

परतः · parataḥ — by another

स्वतः · svataḥ — by oneself

अपि · api — even

त्यजताम् · tyajatām — for those abandoning

धर्मदारान् · dharmadārān — lawful wives

पुत्रभाग्यम् · putrabhāgyam — fortune of a son

न · na — not

विद्यते · vidyate — exists

शिशुहत्यां कुर्वतां परतः वा स्वतः अपि वा, तथा धर्मदारान् त्यजतां च पुत्रभाग्यं न विद्यते।

infanticide · for those doing · and · by another · by oneself · even · for those abandoning · lawful wives · fortune of a son · not · exists

The sage expands on the list of sins, emphasizing that both direct and indirect involvement in harming the innocent leads to the loss of progeny. This highlights the sanctity of life and the marital bond.

The sinner who in a previous life milks a cow with a young calf, or who cuts down an Aśvattha tree, has no son.

bālavatsāṃ ca gāṃ dogdhi yaḥ pāpī pūrvajanmani |

chinattyaśvatthavṛkṣaṃ ca tasya putro na vidyate

बालवत्साम् · bālavatsām — having a young calf

गाम् · gām — cow

दोग्धि · dogdhi — milks

यः · yaḥ — he who

पापी · pāpī — sinner

पूर्वजन्मनि · pūrvajanmani — in a previous life

छिनत्ति · chinatti — cuts

अश्वत्थवृक्षम् · aśvatthavṛkṣam — sacred peepal tree

तस्य · tasya — his

पुत्रः · putraḥ — son

न · na — not

विद्यते · vidyate — exists

यः पापी पूर्वजन्मनि बालवत्सां गां दोग्धि, अश्वत्थवृक्षं च छिनत्ति, तस्य पुत्रः न विद्यते।

having a young calf · cow · milks · he who · sinner · in a previous life · cuts · sacred peepal tree · his · son · not · exists

By citing the exploitation of nature and animals, the sage illustrates that cruelty towards the vulnerable—whether a calf or a sacred tree—creates a spiritual debt that prevents the birth of a son.

He who needlessly kills snakes dwelling in anthills in the forest, in order to steal the serpent-gem, has no son.

vṛthā yo hanti nāgāṃśca vane valmīkavāsinaḥ |

nāgaratnāpahārāya tasya putro na vidyate

वृथा · vṛthā — needlessly

यः · yaḥ — he who

हन्ति · hanti — kills

नागान् · nāgān — snakes

वने · vane — in the forest

वल्मीकवासिनः · valmīkavāsinaḥ — dwelling in anthills

नागरत्नापहाराय · nāgaratnāpahārāya — to steal the serpent-gem

तस्य · tasya — his

पुत्रः · putraḥ — son

न · na — not

विद्यते · vidyate — exists

यः नागरत्नापहाराय वने वल्मीकवासिनः नागान् वृथा हन्ति, तस्य पुत्रः न विद्यते।

needlessly · he who · kills · snakes · in the forest · dwelling in anthills · to steal the serpent-gem · his · son · not · exists

This verse warns against greed, specifically the destruction of living beings for material gain, reinforcing that such actions are incompatible with the blessing of progeny.

Thus, many kinds of sin can cause the loss of a son. Therefore, O king, make an effort to remove those sins.

evaṃ bahuvidhaṃ pāpaṃ putranāśakaraṃ bhavet |

tasmāt pāpanivṛttyarthaṃ prayatnaṃ kuru pārthiva

एवम् · evam — thus

बहुविधम् · bahuvidham — various kinds of

पापम् · pāpam — sin

पुत्रनाशकरम् · putranāśakaram — causing the loss of a son

भवेत् · bhavet — becomes

तस्मात् · tasmāt — therefore

पापनिवृत्त्यर्थम् · pāpanivṛttyartham — for the removal of sins

प्रयत्नम् · prayatnam — effort

कुरु · kuru — do

पार्थिव · pārthiva — O king

एवं बहुविधं पापं पुत्रनाशकरं भवेत्। तस्मात् पार्थिव, पापनिवृत्त्यर्थं प्रयत्नं कुरु।

thus · various kinds of · sin · causing the loss of a son · becomes · therefore · for the removal of sins · effort · do · O king

The sage concludes his list of sins by urging the King to take proactive steps for atonement, shifting the focus from despair over the past to active spiritual effort.

The King said:

O sage, tell me the means for the destruction of misdeeds done in a previous birth, and for the attainment of a good son.

rājovāca

duṣkṛtānāṃ vināśāya kṛtānāṃ pūrvajanmani |

tathā satputralābhāya sādhanaṃ vada me mune

दुष्कृतानाम् · duṣkṛtānām — of misdeeds

विनाशाय · vināśāya — for the destruction

कृतानाम् · kṛtānām — done

पूर्वजन्मनि · pūrvajanmani — in a previous life

तथा · tathā — and

सत्पुत्रलाभाय · satputralābhāya — for the attainment of a good son

साधनम् · sādhanam — means

वद · vada — tell

मे · me — to me

मुने · mune — O sage

मुने, पूर्वजन्मनि कृतानां दुष्कृतानां विनाशाय तथा सत्पुत्रलाभाय साधनं मे वद।

of misdeeds · for the destruction · done · in a previous life · and · for the attainment of a good son · means · tell · to me · O sage

The King acknowledges his past misdeeds and seeks a practical path to redemption, showing his humility and readiness to follow the sage's guidance.

Śrī Parāśara said:

Lord Hari, the all-powerful repository of compassion, is capable of bestowing Dharma, Artha, Kāma, and Mokṣa upon His devotees.

śrīparāśara uvāca

dharmamarthaṃ ca kāmaṃ ca mokṣaṃ ca bhagavān hariḥ |

dātuṃ samartho bhaktānāṃ sarvaśaktaḥ kṛpānidhiḥ

धर्मम् · dharmam — righteousness

अर्थम् · artham — wealth

कामम् · kāmam — desire

मोक्षम् · mokṣam — liberation

भगवान् · bhagavān — the Lord

हरिः · hariḥ — Hari

दातुम् · dātum — to give

समर्थः · samarthaḥ — capable

भक्तानाम् · bhaktānām — for devotees

सर्वशक्तः · sarvaśaktaḥ — all-powerful

कृपानिधिः · kṛpānidhiḥ — repository of compassion

भगवान् हरिः सर्वशक्तः कृपानिधिः भक्तानां धर्मम् अर्थं कामं मोक्षं च दातुं समर्थः।

righteousness · wealth · desire · liberation · the Lord · Hari · to give · capable · for devotees · all-powerful · repository of compassion

Parāśara introduces the theological solution: Lord Hari is the ultimate source of all human aspirations, including the desire for progeny, establishing the devotional theme of the chapter.

The great sacred place named Srirangam exists on the bank of the Sahya-born river (Kaveri). There, Hari Himself is eternally present.

śrīraṅgākhyaṃ mahākṣetraṃ vartate sahyajātaṭe |

sānnidhyaṃ kurute tatra nityameva svayaṃ hariḥ

श्रीरङ्गाख्यम् · śrīraṅgākhyam — named Srirangam

महाक्षेत्रम् · mahākṣetram — great sacred place

वर्तते · vartate — exists

सह्यजातटे · sahyajātaṭe — on the bank of the Kaveri

सान्निध्यम् · sānnidhyam — presence

कुरुते · kurute — makes

तत्र · tatra — there

नित्यम् · nityam — eternally

एव · eva — indeed

स्वयम् · svayam — Himself

हरिः · hariḥ — Hari

श्रीरङ्गाख्यं महाक्षेत्रं सह्यजातटे वर्तते। तत्र स्वयं हरिः नित्यमेव सान्निध्यं कुरुते।

named Srirangam · great sacred place · exists · on the bank of the Kaveri · presence · makes · there · eternally · indeed · Himself · Hari

The sage identifies Srirangam as the specific location for the King's atonement, grounding the abstract theological advice in a concrete, sacred geography.

Go there, O great king, when the sun is in the sign of Libra (Tulā), and performing your ablutions in the Kaveri daily, worship Krishna.

tatra gatvā mahārāja tulārāśisthite ravau |

kāveryāmācaran snānaṃ nityaṃ kṛṣṇaṃ samarcaya

तत्र · tatra — there

गत्वा · gatvā — having gone

महाराज · mahārāja — O great king

तुलाराशिस्थिते · tulārāśisthite — when the sun is in Libra

रवौ · ravau — in the sun

कावेर्याम् · kāveryām — in the Kaveri

आचरन् · ācaran — performing

स्नानम् · snānam — bath

नित्यम् · nityam — daily

कृष्णम् · kṛṣṇam — Krishna

समर्चय · samarcaya — worship

महाराज, तत्र गत्वा तुलाराशिस्थिते रवौ कावेर्यां नित्यं स्नानम् आचरन् कृष्णं समर्चय।

there · having gone · O great king · when the sun is in Libra · in the sun · in the Kaveri · performing · bath · daily · Krishna · worship

Specific instructions for the King's pilgrimage are given, emphasizing the importance of timing (Tulā month) and ritual purity (bathing in the Kaveri) to invoke divine grace.

O king, give wealth, grain, a house, and a cow to the Brahmins. Brahmins are Lord Vishnu; Brahmins are all the deities.

brāhmaṇebhyo dhanaṃ dhānyaṃ gṛhaṃ dhenuṃ ca dehi bhoḥ |

brāhmaṇā bhagavān viṣṇurbrāhmaṇāḥ sarvadevatāḥ

ब्राह्मणेभ्यः · brāhmaṇebhyaḥ — to Brahmins

धनम् · dhanam — wealth

धान्यम् · dhānyam — grain

गृहम् · gṛham — house

धेनुम् · dhenum — cow

च · ca — and

देहि · dehi — give

भोः · bhoḥ — O king

ब्राह्मणाः · brāhmaṇāḥ — Brahmins

भगवान् · bhagavān — the Lord

विष्णुः · viṣṇuḥ — Vishnu

सर्वदेवताः · sarvadevatāḥ — all deities

भोः, ब्राह्मणेभ्यः धनं धान्यं गृहं धेनुं च देहि। ब्राह्मणाः भगवान् विष्णुः, ब्राह्मणाः सर्वदेवताः।

to Brahmins · wealth · grain · house · cow · and · give · O king · Brahmins · the Lord · Vishnu · all deities

The sage highlights the importance of charity and the recognition of the divine in the Brahmin, which is essential for the King's spiritual transformation and the success of his vow.

By merely residing in Srirangam, all sin is destroyed. By the grace of Lord Ranganatha, you will have the good fortune of a son.

śrīraṅgavāsamātreṇa sarvaṃ pāpaṃ vinaśyati |

śrīraṅganāthakṛpayā putrabhāgyaṃ bhaviṣyati

श्रीरङ्गवासमात्रेण · śrīraṅgavāsamātreṇa — by merely residing in Srirangam

सर्वं · sarvaṃ — all

पापं · pāpaṃ — sin

विनश्यति · vinaśyati — is destroyed

श्रीरङ्गनाथकृपया · śrīraṅganāthakṛpayā — by the grace of Lord Ranganatha

पुत्रभाग्यं · putrabhāgyaṃ — the fortune of a son

भविष्यति · bhaviṣyati — will happen

श्रीरङ्गवासमात्रेण सर्वं पापं विनश्यति। श्रीरङ्गनाथकृपया पुत्रभाग्यं भविष्यति।

by merely residing in Srirangam · all · sin · is destroyed · by the grace of Lord Ranganatha · the fortune of a son · will happen

This verse serves as the theological climax of the sage's advice, establishing Srirangam as a place of absolute purification. It assures the king that the grace of Lord Ranganatha is the ultimate remedy for his lack of progeny.

The Blessed Guru said:

Thus addressed by the great-souled chief of sages, King Śantanu, having bowed to him and taken his leave, went to the city of Srirangam.

śrīsadgururuvāca

ityuktaḥ śantanū rājā munīndreṇa mahātmanā |

taṃ praṇamyā'bhyanujñātaḥ śrīraṅganagaraṃ yayau

इत्युक्तः · ityuktaḥ — thus addressed

शन्तनू · śantanū — King Santanu

राजा · rājā — the king

मुनीन्द्रेण · munīndreṇa — by the chief of sages

महात्मना · mahātmanā — by the great-souled one

तं · taṃ — him

प्रणम्य · praṇamya — having bowed

अभ्यनुज्ञातः · abhyanujñātaḥ — having received permission

श्रीरङ्गनगरं · śrīraṅganagaraṃ — to the city of Srirangam

ययौ · yayau — went

मुनीन्द्रेण महात्मना इत्युक्तः शन्तनू राजा तं प्रणम्य अभ्यनुज्ञातः सन् श्रीरङ्गनगरं ययौ।

thus addressed · King Santanu · the king · by the chief of sages · by the great-souled one · him · having bowed · having received permission · to the city of Srirangam · went

This verse marks the transition from the sage's instruction to the king's action, showing the king's immediate faith and obedience to the guru's command.

Bathing daily in the waters of the Kaveri, he worshipped Keśava, the Lord Ranganatha of the Tulā month.

kāverīsalile snānaṃ kurvan pratidinaṃ harim |

tulāyāṃ raṅganāthaṃ pūjayāmāsa keśavam

कावेरीसलिले · kāverīsalile — in the waters of the Kaveri

स्नानं · snānaṃ — bath

कुर्वन् · kurvan — doing

प्रतिदिनं · pratidinaṃ — every day

हरिम् · harim — Lord Hari

तुलायां · tulāyāṃ — in the month of Tula

रङ्गनाथं · raṅganāthaṃ — Lord Ranganatha

पूजयामास · pūjayāmāsa — worshipped

केशवम् · keśavam — Lord Keshava

कावेरीसलिले प्रतिदिनं स्नानं कुर्वन्, तुलायां हरिं केशवम् रङ्गनाथं पूजयामास।

in the waters of the Kaveri · bath · doing · every day · Lord Hari · in the month of Tula · Lord Ranganatha · worshipped · Lord Keshava

This verse details the specific ritualistic discipline the king adopted in Srirangam, emphasizing the importance of the Kaveri river and the specific timing of the Tulā month.

That king had a great hall (maṇḍapa) built in the temple, adorned with various arts of sculpture and painting, made of gold and gems.

maṇḍapaṃ kārayāmāsa mandire sa mahīpatiḥ |

nānāśilpakalācitraṃ hemaratnamayaṃ mahat

मण्डपं · maṇḍapaṃ — a hall

कारयामास · kārayāmāsa — caused to be built

मन्दिरे · mandire — in the temple

स · sa — he

महीपतिः · mahīpatiḥ — the king

नानाशिल्पकलाचित्रं · nānāśilpakalācitraṃ — adorned with various arts and paintings

हेमरत्नमयं · hemaratnamayaṃ — made of gold and gems

महत् · mahat — great

स महीपतिः मन्दिरे नानाशिल्पकलाचित्रं हेमरत्नमयं महत् मण्डपं कारयामास।

a hall · caused to be built · in the temple · he · the king · adorned with various arts and paintings · made of gold and gems · great

This verse highlights the king's active devotion through the construction of a temple structure, demonstrating that his wealth is being utilized for the service of the Lord.

He gave gifts daily with devotion to Brahmins—to the humble, to the learned in the Vedas, and to the devotees of Vishnu.

brāhmaṇebhyo dadau dānaṃ bhaktipūrvaṃ dine dine |

vinītebhyo vedavidbhyo viṣṇubhaktebhya eva ca

ब्राह्मणेभ्यो · brāhmaṇebhyo — to the Brahmins

ददौ · dadau — gave

दानं · dānaṃ — charity

भक्तिपूर्वं · bhaktipūrvaṃ — with devotion

दिने · dine — day

दिने · dine — day

विनीतेभ्यो · vinītebhyo — to the humble

वेदविद्भ्यो · vedavidbhyo — to the Veda-knowers

विष्णुभक्तेभ्य · viṣṇubhaktebhya — to the devotees of Vishnu

एव · eva — indeed

च · ca — and

सः दिने दिने विनीतेभ्यो वेदविद्भ्यो विष्णुभक्तेभ्य एव च ब्राह्मणेभ्यो भक्तिपूर्वं दानं ददौ।

to the Brahmins · gave · charity · with devotion · day · day · to the humble · to the Veda-knowers · to the devotees of Vishnu · indeed · and

This verse emphasizes the king's humility and his recognition of the divine in the Brahmins, which is a prerequisite for receiving the Lord's grace.

Then, having performed the concluding ceremony of the Tulā-snāna vow and having received the grace of Vishnu, he returned to his own city.

udyāpanaṃ tataḥ kṛtvā tulāsnānavratasya ca |

labdhvā viṣṇuprasādaṃ ca lebhe svanagarī punaḥ

उद्यापनं · udyāpanaṃ — concluding ceremony

ततः · tataḥ — then

कृत्वा · kṛtvā — having done

तुलास्नानव्रतस्य · tulāsnānavratasya — of the Tula-bath vow

लब्ध्वा · labdhvā — having obtained

विष्णुप्रसादं · viṣṇuprasādaṃ — the grace of Vishnu

च · ca — and

लेभे · lebhe — returned/attained

स्वनगरी · svanagarī — to his own city

पुनः · punaḥ — again

ततः तुलास्नानव्रतस्य उद्यापनं कृत्वा, विष्णुप्रसादं च लब्ध्वा पुनः स्वनगरीं लेभे।

concluding ceremony · then · having done · of the Tula-bath vow · having obtained · the grace of Vishnu · and · returned/attained · to his own city · again

This verse marks the completion of the king's spiritual endeavor, signaling that his penance has been accepted and the fruit of his labor is forthcoming.

Then, in a short time, a great son, the foremost of the Vasus, was born in the Ganga; the king, indeed, was Varuṇa.

athācireṇa kālena vasūnāṃ pravaro mahān |

putro'jāyata gaṅgāyāṃ rājā tu varuṇaḥ khalu

अथाचिरेण · athācireṇa — then in a short time

कालेन · kālena — by time

वसूनां · vasūnāṃ — of the Vasus

प्रवरो · pravaro — the best

महान् · mahān — great

पुत्रोऽजायत · putro'jāyata — a son was born

गङ्गायां · gaṅgāyāṃ — in Ganga

राजा · rājā — the king

तु · tu — indeed

वरुणः · varuṇaḥ — Varuna

खलु · khalu — certainly

अथ अचिरेण कालेन गङ्गायां वसूनां प्रवरः महान् पुत्रः अजायत; राजा तु वरुणः खलु आसीत्।

then in a short time · by time · of the Vasus · the best · great · a son was born · in Ganga · the king · indeed · Varuna · certainly

This verse reveals the divine origin of the child, connecting the king's past life as Varuna and the birth of the Vasu, Bhishma, to the grace received at Srirangam.

He became famous on earth as Devavrata and Bhishma. He was devoted to his father, steadfast in truth, and firm in the vow of celibacy.

devavrato bhīṣma iti prakhyātiṃ prāpa bhūtale |

pitṛbhaktaḥ satyaniṣṭho brahmacaryavrate sthitaḥ

देवव्रतो · devavrato — Devavrata

भीष्म · bhīṣma — Bhishma

इति · iti — thus

प्रख्यातिं · prakhyātiṃ — fame

प्राप · prāpa — attained

भूतले · bhūtale — on earth

पितृभक्तः · pitṛbhaktaḥ — devoted to father

सत्यनिष्ठो · satyaniṣṭho — steadfast in truth

ब्रह्मचर्यव्रते · brahmacaryavrate — in the vow of celibacy

स्थितः · sthitaḥ — established

सः देवव्रतः भीष्म इति भूतले प्रख्यातिं प्राप। सः पितृभक्तः सत्यनिष्ठः ब्रह्मचर्यव्रते स्थितः च आसीत्।

Devavrata · Bhishma · thus · fame · attained · on earth · devoted to father · steadfast in truth · in the vow of celibacy · established

This verse introduces the identity of the child as Bhishma, highlighting the virtues that would define his legendary character: devotion, truthfulness, and celibacy.

He was the best of all who know the scriptures, the foremost of all who know Dharma, of great valour, wise, a great warrior, and of great strength.

sarvaśāstravidāṃ śreṣṭhaḥ sarvadharmavidāṃ varaḥ |

mahāparākramo dhīro mahāśūro mahābalaḥ

सर्वशास्त्रविदां · sarvaśāstravidāṃ — of all scripture-knowers

श्रेष्ठः · śreṣṭhaḥ — the best

सर्वधर्मविदां · sarvadharmavidāṃ — of all dharma-knowers

वरः · varaḥ — the foremost

महापराक्रमो · mahāparākramo — of great valour

धीरो · dhīro — wise

महाशूरो · mahāśūro — a great warrior

महाबलः · mahābalaḥ — of great strength

सः सर्वशास्त्रविदां श्रेष्ठः, सर्वधर्मविदां वरः, महापराक्रमः, धीरः, महाशूरः, महाबलः च आसीत्।

of all scripture-knowers · the best · of all dharma-knowers · the foremost · of great valour · wise · a great warrior · of great strength

This verse catalogs the extraordinary qualities of Bhishma, establishing him as the ideal warrior and scholar, worthy of his divine origin.

He was of great wisdom, great renunciation, the best of great devotees of the Lord, a great yogi, a great soul, venerable, and magnanimous.

mahājñānī mahātyāgī mahābhāgavatottamaḥ |

mahāyogī mahātmā ca mahanīyo mahāmanāḥ

महाज्ञानी · mahājñānī — greatly wise

महात्यागी · mahātyāgī — of great renunciation

महाभागवतोत्तमः · mahābhāgavatottamaḥ — the best of great devotees

महायोगी · mahāyogī — a great yogi

महात्मा · mahātmā — a great soul

च · ca — and

महनीयो · mahanīyo — venerable

महामनाः · mahāmanāḥ — magnanimous

सः महाज्ञानी, महात्यागी, महाभागवतोत्तमः, महायोगी, महात्मा, महनीयः, महामनाः च आसीत्।

greatly wise · of great renunciation · the best of great devotees · a great yogi · a great soul · and · venerable · magnanimous

This verse completes the description of Bhishma's character, elevating him from a mere warrior to a spiritual giant, a yogi, and a devotee of the Lord.

Such a son did Hari, the compassionate Lord Ranganatha who is affectionate to those who take refuge in Him, give to Śantanu.

etādṛśaṃ putrameṣa dadau śantanave hariḥ |

śrīraṅganātho bhagavān kṛpāluḥ śritavatsalaḥ

एतादृशम् · etādṛśam — such a

पुत्रम् · putram — son

एषः · eṣa — this

ददौ · dadau — gave

शन्तनवे · śantanave — to King Santanu

हरिः · hariḥ — Lord Hari

श्रीरङ्गनाथः · śrīraṅganāthaḥ — Lord Ranganatha

भगवान् · bhagavān — the Supreme Lord

कृपालुः · kṛpāluḥ — compassionate

श्रितवत्सलः · śritavatsalaḥ — affectionate to those who seek refuge

भगवान् कृपालुः श्रितवत्सलः श्रीरङ्गनाथः हरिः एषः एतादृशं पुत्रं शन्तनवे ददौ।

such a · son · this · gave · to King Santanu · Lord Hari · Lord Ranganatha · the Supreme Lord · compassionate · affectionate to those who seek refuge

This verse concludes the narrative of the boon, highlighting that Bhishma's birth was not merely a biological event but a direct gift from the compassionate Lord Ranganatha. It emphasizes the Lord's nature as 'shritavatsala', one who deeply loves those who seek His refuge.

The wish-fulfilling cow (Kāmadhenu), the wish-fulfilling tree (Kalpavṛkṣa), and the wish-fulfilling gem (Cintāmaṇi) are themselves Lord Ranganatha, the bestower of the desired fruits to His devotees.

kāmadhenuḥ kalpakaśca cintāmaṇirapi svayam |

sākṣācchrīraṅganātho hi bhaktābhīṣṭaphalapradaḥ

कामधेनुः · kāmadhenuḥ — wish-fulfilling cow

कल्पकः · kalpakaḥ — wish-fulfilling tree

च · ca — and

चिन्तामणिः · cintāmaṇiḥ — wish-fulfilling gem

अपि · api — also

स्वयम् · svayam — themselves

साक्षात् · sākṣāt — directly

श्रीरङ्गनाथः · śrīraṅganāthaḥ — Lord Ranganatha

हि · hi — indeed

भक्ताभीष्टफलप्रदः · bhaktābhīṣṭaphalapradaḥ — bestower of desired fruits to devotees

कामधेनुः कल्पकः चिन्तामणिः अपि स्वयम् साक्षात् श्रीरङ्गनाथः हि भक्ताभीष्टफलप्रदः।

wish-fulfilling cow · wish-fulfilling tree · and · wish-fulfilling gem · also · themselves · directly · Lord Ranganatha · indeed · bestower of desired fruits to devotees

The poet elevates Lord Ranganatha above all celestial wish-granting entities, asserting that He is the source of all boons. This prepares the reader for the subsequent critique of those who fail to recognize His supreme grace.

He who, devoid of faith and devotion, disregards Him in this world and suffers from poverty, is wretched, truly wretched.

tamanādṛtya yo loke śraddhābhaktivivarjitaḥ |

dāridryāllabhate duḥkhaṃ sa dīno dīna eva saḥ

तम् · tam — Him

अनादृत्य · anādṛtya — having disregarded

यः · yaḥ — he who

लोके · loke — in the world

श्रद्धाभक्तिविवर्जितः · śraddhābhaktivivarjitaḥ — devoid of faith and devotion

दारिद्र्यात् · dāridryāt — due to poverty

लभते · labhate — obtains

दुःखम् · duḥkham — misery

सः · saḥ — he

दीनः · dīnaḥ — wretched

एव · eva — indeed

यः श्रद्धाभक्तिविवर्जितः तम् अनादृत्य लोके दारिद्र्यात् दुःखं लभते सः दीनः, सः दीनः एव।

Him · having disregarded · he who · in the world · devoid of faith and devotion · due to poverty · obtains · misery · he · wretched · indeed

This verse serves as a warning against spiritual negligence. It defines the 'wretched' not by their material poverty, but by their lack of faith in the Lord who is readily accessible.

One worries about ghee when butter is already in hand. Similarly, people worry about their welfare even when Lord Ranganatha is directly present.

karoti cintāmājyāya navanīte karasthite |

sthite sākṣādraṅganāthe cintāṃ kurvanti śreyase

करोति · karoti — does

चिन्ताम् · cintām — worry

आज्याय · ājyāya — for ghee

नवनीते · navanīte — when butter

करस्थिते · karasthite — is in hand

स्थिते · sthite — when present

साक्षात् · sākṣāt — directly

रङ्गनाथे · raṅganāthe — Lord Ranganatha

चिन्ताम् · cintām — worry

कुर्वन्ति · kurvanti — they do

श्रेयसे · śreyase — for welfare

नवनीते करस्थिते सति आज्याय चिन्तां करोति, तथा साक्षात् रङ्गनाथे स्थिते सति श्रेयसे चिन्तां कुर्वन्ति।

does · worry · for ghee · when butter · is in hand · when present · directly · Lord Ranganatha · worry · they do · for welfare

Using a poignant metaphor of butter and ghee, the author illustrates the irony of human anxiety. It highlights that ignorance of the Lord's presence is the root cause of all unnecessary worldly worry.