शीतवातपुरमाहात्म्यम् Śītavāta Pura Māhātmyam

The Sadguru said:

Bāṇāsura, the great hero, foremost among devotees of Śiva, was he who always played the mṛdaṅga drum during Śiva's Tāṇḍava dance.

śrīsadgururuvāca

bāṇāsuro mahāvīraḥ śivabhaktimatāṃ varaḥ|

mṛdaṅgaṃ vādayāmāsa nityaṃ yaḥ śivatāṇḍave

बाणासुरः · bāṇāsuraḥ — Bāṇāsura

महावीरः · mahāvīraḥ — great hero

शिवभक्तिमताम् · śivabhaktimatām — among those devoted to Śiva

वरः · varaḥ — foremost

मृदङ्गम् · mṛdaṅgam — the mṛdaṅga drum

वादयामास · vādayāmāsa — played

नित्यम् · nityam — always

यः · yaḥ — who

शिवताण्डवे · śivatāṇḍave — during Śiva's cosmic dance

यः बाणासुरः शिवभक्तिमतां वरः महावीरः आसीत्, सः शिवताण्डवे नित्यं मृदङ्गं वादयामास।

Bāṇāsura · great hero · among those devoted to Śiva · foremost · the mṛdaṅga drum · played · always · who · during Śiva's cosmic dance

This verse introduces Bāṇāsura, establishing his status as a prominent devotee of Śiva and his role in the cosmic order, which sets the stage for his eventual downfall due to pride.

Having obtained a thousand arms, he became arrogant from the boon. Then, the enraged Lord, whose banner is the bull (Śiva), spoke.

labdhvā bhujasahasraṃ sa babhūva varagarvitaḥ|

tataḥ kruddhastu bhagavānuvāca vṛṣabhadhvajaḥ

लब्ध्वा · labdhvā — having obtained

भुजसहस्रम् · bhujasahasram — a thousand arms

सः · saḥ — he

बभूव · babhūva — became

वरगर्वितः · varagarvitaḥ — arrogant due to the boon

ततः · tataḥ — then

क्रुद्धः · kruddhaḥ — enraged

तु · tu — indeed

भगवान् · bhagavān — the Lord

उवाच · uvāca — spoke

वृषभध्वजः · vṛṣabhadhvajaḥ — the one with the bull banner (Śiva)

सः भुजसहस्रं लब्ध्वा वरगर्वितः बभूव। ततः क्रुद्धः वृषभध्वजः भगवान् उवाच।

having obtained · a thousand arms · he · became · arrogant due to the boon · then · enraged · indeed · the Lord · spoke · the one with the bull banner (Śiva)

This verse marks the turning point where the boon of a thousand arms leads to arrogance, triggering Śiva's divine intervention to curb his pride.

"O fool, a battle with Viṣṇu himself will be the destroyer of your pride, since you, being very arrogant, harm the worlds with your thousand arms."

tvaddarpaghnaṃ bhavenmūḍha saṃyugaṃ viṣṇunaiva hi|

yastvaṃ bhujasahasreṇa lokān haṃsi sugarvitaḥ

त्वद्दर्पघ्नम् · tvaddarpaghnam — destroyer of your pride

भवेत् · bhavet — will be

मूढ · mūḍha — O fool

संयुगम् · saṃyugam — battle

विष्णुना · viṣṇunā — with Viṣṇu

एव · eva — only

हि · hi — indeed

यः · yaḥ — who

त्वम् · tvam — you

भुजसहस्रेण · bhujasahasreṇa — with a thousand arms

लोकान् · lokān — the worlds

हंसि · haṃsi — harm

सुगर्वितः · sugarvitaḥ — very arrogant

हे मूढ, यः त्वं सुगर्वितः सन् भुजसहस्रेण लोकान् हंसि, तव संयुगं विष्णुना एव हि त्वद्दर्पघ्नं भवेत्।

destroyer of your pride · will be · O fool · battle · with Viṣṇu · only · indeed · who · you · with a thousand arms · the worlds · harm · very arrogant

Śiva delivers a prophetic warning, identifying Viṣṇu as the only force capable of humbling Bāṇa, thereby linking the demon's fate to the Supreme Lord.

His daughter, Uṣā, was a beautiful maiden endowed with good qualities. The lovely-limbed lady worshipped Bhavānī (Pārvatī) to obtain a husband.

uṣā tasya kumārī tu sundarī sadguṇānvitā|

bhavānīṃ pūjayāmāsa varaṃ prāptuṃ varāṅgaṇā

उषा · uṣā — Uṣā

तस्य · tasya — his

कुमारी · kumārī — daughter

तु · tu — and

सुन्दरी · sundarī — beautiful

सद्गुणान्विता · sadguṇānvitā — endowed with virtues

भवानीम् · bhavānīm — Bhavānī (Pārvatī)

पूजयामास · pūjayāmāsa — worshipped

वरम् · varam — a husband

प्राप्तुम् · prāptum — to obtain

वराङ्गणा · varāṅgaṇā — the lovely-limbed lady

तस्य कुमारी उषा तु सुन्दरी सद्गुणान्विता आसीत्। सा वराङ्गणा वरं प्राप्तुं भवानीं पूजयामास।

Uṣā · his · daughter · and · beautiful · endowed with virtues · Bhavānī (Pārvatī) · worshipped · a husband · to obtain · the lovely-limbed lady

This verse introduces Uṣā and her devotional intent, providing the motivation for the subsequent divine play involving Aniruddha.

One day, she saw a certain handsome groom, who was playing with her, charming, and of a dark complexion.

sā kadāciddadarśāpi varaṃ kamapi sundaram|

krīḍantamātmanā tulyaṃ rasikaṃ śyāmalacchavim

सा · sā — she

कदाचित् · kadācit — once

ददर्श · dadarśa — saw

अपि · api — also

वरम् · varam — a groom

कम् · kam — someone

अपि · api — even

सुन्दरम् · sundaram — handsome

क्रीडन्तम् · krīḍantam — playing

आत्मना · ātmanā — with her

तुल्यम् · tulyam — equal

रसिकम् · rasikam — charming

श्यामलच्छविम् · śyāmalacchavim — dark-complexioned

सा कदाचित् आत्मना तुल्यं क्रीडन्तं रसिकं श्यामलच्छविं कमपि सुन्दरं वरं ददर्श।

she · once · saw · also · a groom · someone · even · handsome · playing · with her · equal · charming · dark-complexioned

The dream sequence serves as the catalyst for Uṣā's longing, establishing the romantic bhava that drives the narrative toward the union with Aniruddha.

Deeply distressed, meditating on the beloved groom seen in her dream, she, being asked again and again, described him to her female friend.

**7. Her friend, Citralekhā, then drew pictures of princes and, day after day, showed them to Uṣā with affection.

svapne dṛṣṭaṃ varaṃ kāntaṃ dhyāyantī duḥkhitā bhṛśam|

punaḥ punaḥ pṛcchyamānā svasakhīṃ taṃ nyavedayat

स्वप्ने · svapne — in a dream

दृष्टम् · dṛṣṭam — seen

वरम् · varam — groom

कान्तम् · kāntam — beloved

ध्यायन्ती · dhyāyantī — meditating

दुःखिता · duḥkhitā — distressed

भृशम् · bhṛśam — greatly

पुनः · punaḥ — again

पुनः · punaḥ — again

पृच्छ्यमाना · pṛcchyamānā — being asked

स्वसखीम् · svasakhīm — her friend

तम् · tam — him

न्यवेदयत् · nyavedayat — described

स्वप्ने दृष्टं कान्तं वरं ध्यायन्ती सा भृशं दुःखिता अभवत्। पुनः पुनः पृच्छ्यमाना सा स्वसखीं तं न्यवेदयत्।

in a dream · seen · groom · beloved · meditating · distressed · greatly · again · again · being asked · her friend · him · described

Uṣā's distress highlights the intensity of her devotion and longing, which necessitates the intervention of her friend Citralekhā.

tatsakhī citralekhā tu likhitvā nṛpanandanān|

uṣāyai darśayāmāsa premapūrvaṃ dine dine

तत् · tat — her

सखी · sakhī — friend

चित्रलेखा · citralekhā — Citralekhā

तु · tu — indeed

लिखित्वा · likhitvā — having drawn

नृपनन्दनान् · nṛpanandanān — princes

उषायै · uṣāyai — to Uṣā

दर्शयामास · darśayāmāsa — showed

प्रेमपूर्वम् · premapūrvam — with affection

दिने · dine — day

दिने · dine — day

तत् सखी चित्रलेखा तु नृपनन्दनान् लिखित्वा दिने दिने प्रेमपूर्वम् उषायै दर्शयामास।

her · friend · Citralekhā · indeed · having drawn · princes · to Uṣā · showed · with affection · day · day

Citralekhā's artistic efforts represent the bridge between Uṣā's internal longing and the external manifestation of the divine hero, Aniruddha.

Finally, she showed the Yadu heroes to her friend. She presented Saṅkarṣaṇa, Vāsudeva, the mighty Pradyumna, and the great hero Aniruddha to Uṣā.

ante sā darśayāmāsa yaduvīrān sakhīṃ prati|

saṅkarṣaṇaṃ vāsudevaṃ pradyumnaṃ ca mahābalam|

aniruddhaṃ mahāvīramuṣāyai saṃnyavedayat

अन्ते · ante — finally

सा · sā — she

दर्शयामास · darśayāmāsa — showed

यदुवीरान् · yaduvīrān — Yadu heroes

सखीं · sakhīṃ — to her friend

प्रति · prati — towards

सङ्कर्षणम् · saṅkarṣaṇam — Saṅkarṣaṇa

वासुदेवम् · vāsudevam — Vāsudeva

प्रद्युम्नम् · pradyumnam — Pradyumna

च · ca — and

महाबलम् · mahābalam — mighty

अनिरुद्धम् · aniruddham — Aniruddha

महावीरम् · mahāvīram — great hero

उषायै · uṣāyai — to Uṣā

संन्यवेदयत् · saṃnyavedayat — presented

अन्ते सा सखीं प्रति यदुवीरान् दर्शयामास। सा सङ्कर्षणं वासुदेवं महाबलं प्रद्युम्नं च उषायै अनिरुद्धं महावीरं संन्यवेदयत्।

finally · she · showed · Yadu heroes · to her friend · towards · Saṅkarṣaṇa · Vāsudeva · Pradyumna · and · mighty · Aniruddha · great hero · to Uṣā · presented

The identification of the Yadu heroes, specifically Aniruddha, marks the climax of the search, confirming the divine identity of the groom from the dream.

Upon seeing Aniruddha, afflicted by the arrow of Kāma (love), she exclaimed with great excitement, "This is he! This is he!"

aniruddhaṃ vilokyaiva kāmabāṇena pīḍitā|

so'sāvasāviti prāha kautūhalasamanvitā

अनिरुद्धम् · aniruddham — Aniruddha

विलोक्य · vilokya — having seen

एव · eva — just

कामबाणेन · kāmabāṇena — by the arrow of love

पीडिता · pīḍitā — afflicted

सः · so — he

असौ · asau — this

असौ · asau — this

इति · iti — thus

प्राह · prāha — said

कौतूहलसमन्विता · kautūhalasamanvitā — filled with excitement

अनिरुद्धं विलोक्य एव कामबाणेन पीडिता सा कौतूहलसमन्विता 'सः असौ, सः असौ' इति प्राह।

Aniruddha · having seen · just · by the arrow of love · afflicted · he · this · this · thus · said · filled with excitement

Uṣā's immediate recognition of Aniruddha, under the influence of Kāma, underscores the divine nature of their attraction and the inevitability of their union.

Citralekhā, a yoginī, went to Dvārakā through the sky and brought back Aniruddha, who was asleep on his couch.

yoginī citralekhā tu dvārakāṃ ca vihāyasā|

gatvā suptaṃ ca paryaṅke'pyaniruddhamanīnayat

योगिनी · yoginī — yoginī

चित्रलेखा · citralekhā — Citralekhā

तु · tu — indeed

द्वारकाम् · dvārakām — to Dvārakā

च · ca — and

विहायसा · vihāyasā — through the sky

गत्वा · gatvā — having gone

सुप्तम् · suptam — asleep

च · ca — and

पर्यङ्के · paryaṅke — on the couch

अपि · api — also

अनिरुद्धम् · aniruddham — Aniruddha

अनीनयत् · anīnayat — brought

योगिनी चित्रलेखा तु विहायसा द्वारकां गत्वा पर्यङ्के सुप्तं अनिरुद्धं च अनीनयत्।

yoginī · Citralekhā · indeed · to Dvārakā · and · through the sky · having gone · asleep · and · on the couch · also · Aniruddha · brought

Citralekhā's yogic power facilitates the union, demonstrating that divine arrangements transcend physical limitations and earthly boundaries.

Sporting with that very Aniruddha day after day, the innocent Uṣā lived happily, surrounded by her friends.

aniruddhena tenaiva viharantī dine dine|

uṣovāsa sukhaṃ mugdhā sakhījanasamanvitā

अनिरुद्धेन · aniruddhena — with Aniruddha

तेनैव · tenaiva — with him only

विहरन्ती · viharantī — sporting

दिने · dine — day

दिने · dine — day

उषा · uṣā — Uṣā

उवास · uvāsa — lived

सुखम् · sukham — happily

मुग्धा · mugdhā — innocent maiden

सखीजनसमन्विता · sakhījanasamanvitā — surrounded by friends

मुग्धा उषा तेन अनिरुद्धेन एव दिने दिने विहरन्ती सखीजनसमन्विता सुखम् उवास।

with Aniruddha · with him only · sporting · day · day · Uṣā · lived · happily · innocent maiden · surrounded by friends

This verse establishes the idyllic, secret union of Uṣā and Aniruddha, setting the stage for the subsequent conflict. It highlights the innocence of the princess and the divine playfulness of the Yādava hero.

A certain royal guard, learning of this disgrace to the princess's family, approached the demon king somewhere in private and informed him.

jñātvā rājabhaṭaḥ kaścitkanyāyāḥ kuladūṣaṇam|

nyavedayaddaityarājamupāgatya rahaḥ kvacit

ज्ञात्वा · jñātvā — having known

राजभटः · rājabhaṭaḥ — royal guard

कश्चित् · kaścit — a certain

कन्यायाः · kanyāyāḥ — of the princess

कुलदूषणम् · kuladūṣaṇam — family disgrace

न्यवेदयत् · nyavedayat — informed

दैत्यराजम् · daityarājam — the demon king

उपागत्य · upāgatya — having approached

रहः · rahaḥ — in private

क्वचित् · kvacit — somewhere

कश्चित् राजभटः कन्यायाः कुलदूषणं ज्ञात्वा रहः उपागत्य दैत्यराजं न्यवेदयत्।

having known · royal guard · a certain · of the princess · family disgrace · informed · the demon king · having approached · in private · somewhere

The narrative shifts to the discovery of the secret, introducing the royal guard as the catalyst for the impending confrontation. This marks the transition from the romantic bhava to the heroic struggle.

Bāṇāsura, then enraged, came to the princess's inner chambers, and upon seeing Aniruddha, struck him with a mace.

bāṇāsurastadā kruddhaḥ kanyāntaḥpuramāgataḥ|

aniruddhaṃ vilokyāpi jaghāna gadayā ca tam

बाणासुरः · bāṇāsurah — Bāṇāsura

तदा · tadā — then

क्रुद्धः · kruddhaḥ — enraged

कन्यान्तःपुरम् · kanyāntaḥpuram — princess's inner chamber

आगतः · āgataḥ — came

अनिरुद्धम् · aniruddham — Aniruddha

विलोक्य · vilokya — having seen

अपि · api — even

जघान · jaghāna — struck

गदया · gadayā — with a mace

च · ca — and

तम् · tam — him

तदा क्रुद्धः बाणासुरः कन्यान्तःपुरम् आगतः, अनिरुद्धं विलोक्य गदया तम् जघान।

Bāṇāsura · then · enraged · princess's inner chamber · came · Aniruddha · having seen · even · struck · with a mace · and · him

Bāṇāsura's reaction is immediate and violent, demonstrating his impulsive nature. This verse initiates the physical conflict between the demon and the divine hero.

Aniruddha also struck that Bāṇa back with a mace. A great battle then ensued there between Bāṇa and the Yādava.

aniruddho'pi taṃ bāṇaṃ jaghāna gadayā punaḥ|

mahadyuddhamabhūttatra bāṇayādavayostadā

अनिरुद्धः · aniruddhaḥ — Aniruddha

अपि · api — also

तम् · tam — him

बाणम् · bāṇam — Bāṇa

जघान · jaghāna — struck

गदया · gadayā — with a mace

पुनः · punaḥ — again

महत् · mahat — great

युद्धम् · yuddham — battle

अभूत् · abhūt — occurred

तत्र · tatra — there

बाणयादवयोः · bāṇayādavayoḥ — between Bāṇa and the Yādava

तदा · tadā — then

अनिरुद्धः अपि तं बाणं गदया पुनः जघान। तदा तत्र बाणयादवयोः महत् युद्धम् अभूत्।

Aniruddha · also · him · Bāṇa · struck · with a mace · again · great · battle · occurred · there · between Bāṇa and the Yādava · then

This verse emphasizes the equality of the combatants in the initial skirmish, showing that Aniruddha is a match for the demon king, thus escalating the tension.

The great asura thus bound Aniruddha, making him a captive. Nārada then related this story to the Lord of Dvārakā.

aniruddhaṃ babandhaivaṃ bandīkṛtya mahāsuraḥ|

nyavedayannāradastu dvārakeśāya tatkathām

अनिरुद्धम् · aniruddham — Aniruddha

बबन्ध · babandha — bound

एवम् · evam — thus

बन्दीकृत्य · bandīkṛtya — having made captive

महासुरः · mahāsuraḥ — the great demon

न्यवेदयत् · nyavedayat — informed

नारदः · nāradaḥ — Nārada

तु · tu — then

द्वारकेशाय · dvārakeśāya — to the Lord of Dvārakā

तत्कथाम् · tatkathām — that story

महासुरः अनिरुद्धं बन्दीकृत्य एवम् बबन्ध। नारदः तु द्वारकेशाय तत्कथां न्यवेदयत्।

Aniruddha · bound · thus · having made captive · the great demon · informed · Nārada · then · to the Lord of Dvārakā · that story

The capture of Aniruddha serves as the inciting incident for the arrival of Lord Kṛṣṇa. Nārada's role as the messenger bridges the gap between the battlefield and Dvārakā.

Vāsudeva, holder of the Śārṅga bow, along with the Yādava army, came to Bāṇa's city to free Aniruddha.

vāsudevaḥ śārṅgapāṇiḥ saha yādavasenayā|

aniruddhaṃ mocayitumāyayau bāṇapaṭṭaṇam

वासुदेवः · vāsudevaḥ — Vāsudeva

शार्ङ्गपाणिः · śārṅgapāṇiḥ — holder of the Śārṅga bow

सह · saha — with

यादवसेनया · yādavasenayā — Yādava army

अनिरुद्धम् · aniruddham — Aniruddha

मोचयितुम् · mocayitum — to free

आययौ · āyayau — came

बाणपट्टणम् · bāṇapaṭṭaṇam — Bāṇa's city

शार्ङ्गपाणिः वासुदेवः यादवसेनया सह अनिरुद्धं मोचयितुं बाणपट्टणम् आययौ।

Vāsudeva · holder of the Śārṅga bow · with · Yādava army · Aniruddha · to free · came · Bāṇa's city

The Lord's intervention is presented as a necessary act of protection. The mention of the Śārṅga bow signals the impending divine victory.

The chief of the Yadus told Bāṇa, "Release that innocent hero who was taken away in his sleep."

nidrāyāmeva nītaṃ taṃ vīraṃ niraparādhinam|

vimocayeti taṃ bāṇamavocadyadupuṅgavaḥ

निद्रायाम् · nidrāyām — in sleep

एव · eva — only

नीतम् · nītam — taken

तम् · tam — him

वीरम् · vīram — hero

निरपराधिनम् · niraparādhinam — innocent

विमोचय · vimocaya — release

इति · iti — thus

तम् · tam — him

बाणम् · bāṇam — Bāṇa

अवोचत् · avocat — spoke

यदुपुङ्गवः · yadupuṅgavaḥ — chief of the Yadus

यदुपुङ्गवः तं बाणं अवोचत् - निद्रायाम् एव नीतं तं निरपराधिनं वीरं विमोचय इति।

in sleep · only · taken · him · hero · innocent · release · thus · him · Bāṇa · spoke · chief of the Yadus

This verse highlights the Lord's adherence to dharma, as He demands the release of an innocent person, providing Bāṇa with a final chance to avoid catastrophe.

But Bāṇāsura, enraged and impelled by fate, fought with his thousand arms against Viṣṇu himself, the wielder of the cakra.

kintu bāṇāsuraḥ kruddho yuyudhe kālacoditaḥ|

svayaṃ bhujasahasreṇa viṣṇunā cakrapāṇinā

किन्तु · kintu — but

बाणासुरः · bāṇāsuraḥ — Bāṇāsura

क्रुद्धः · kruddhaḥ — enraged

युयुधे · yuyudhe — fought

कालचोदितः · kālacoditaḥ — impelled by fate

स्वयम् · svayam — himself

भुजसहस्रेण · bhujasahasreṇa — with thousand arms

विष्णुना · viṣṇunā — with Viṣṇu

चक्रपाणिना · cakrapāṇinā — wielder of the discus

किन्तु कालचोदितः क्रुद्धः बाणासुरः भुजसहस्रेण स्वयं चक्रपाणिना विष्णुना सह युयुधे।

but · Bāṇāsura · enraged · fought · impelled by fate · himself · with thousand arms · with Viṣṇu · wielder of the discus

Bāṇa's arrogance is contrasted with the divine power of Viṣṇu. The phrase 'kālacoditaḥ' (impelled by time/fate) explains why Bāṇa chooses to fight despite the obvious imbalance.

The Yadu heroes destroyed all of Bāṇāsura's army. Bāṇa quickly fled and took refuge in Śaṅkara.

bāṇāsurabalaṃ sarvaṃ jaghnuste yadupuṅgavāḥ|

dudrāva sahasā bāṇaḥ śaṅkaraṃ śaraṇaṃ gataḥ

बाणासुरबलम् · bāṇāsurabalam — Bāṇāsura's army

सर्वम् · sarvam — all

जघ्नुः · jaghnuḥ — destroyed

ते · te — they

यदुपुङ्गवाः · yadupuṅgavāḥ — Yadu heroes

दुद्राव · dudrāva — fled

सहसा · sahasā — quickly

बाणः · bāṇaḥ — Bāṇa

शङ्करम् · śaṅkaram — Śaṅkara

शरणम् · śaraṇam — refuge

गतः · gataḥ — went

ते यदुपुङ्गवाः सर्वं बाणासुरबलं जघ्नुः। बाणः सहसा दुद्राव शङ्करं शरणं गतः।

Bāṇāsura's army · all · destroyed · they · Yadu heroes · fled · quickly · Bāṇa · Śaṅkara · refuge · went

The defeat of the demon's army marks the collapse of Bāṇa's external power, forcing him to seek refuge in his divine protector, Śiva.

Rudra too, out of affection for his devotee, sportively fought with Kṛṣṇa, having come mounted on his bull and brandishing his trident.

rudro'pi bhaktavātsalyātsaha kṛṣṇena līlayā|

yuyudhe śūlamuddhṛtya vṛṣamāruhya cāgataḥ

रुद्रः · rudraḥ — Rudra

अपि · api — also

भक्तवात्सल्यात् · bhaktavātsalyāt — out of affection for devotee

सह · saha — with

कृष्णेन · kṛṣṇena — Kṛṣṇa

लीलया · līlayā — sportively

युयुधे · yuyudhe — fought

शूलम् · śūlam — trident

उद्धृत्य · uddhṛtya — having brandished

वृषम् · vṛṣam — bull

आरुह्य · āruhya — having mounted

च · ca — and

आगतः · āgataḥ — came

रुद्रः अपि भक्तवात्सल्यात् वृषम् आरुह्य शूलम् उद्धृत्य कृष्णेन सह लीलया युयुधे आगतः च।

Rudra · also · out of affection for devotee · with · Kṛṣṇa · sportively · fought · trident · having brandished · bull · having mounted · and · came

The intervention of Śiva is depicted not as a true enmity but as a 'līlā' (divine sport) born of affection for his devotee, maintaining the theological balance between the two deities.

Govinda, with effortless sport, defeated Gaṇeśa, Kārtikeya, Bhairava, Caṇḍanāyaka, and Nandikeśa.

gaṇeśaṃ kārtikeyaṃ ca bhairavaṃ caṇḍanāyakam|

nandikeśaṃ ca govindo jaghāna laghulīlayā

गणेशम् · gaṇeśam — Lord Gaṇeśa

कार्तिकेयम् · kārtikeyam — Lord Kārtikeya

च · ca — and

भैरवम् · bhairavam — Lord Bhairava

चण्डनायकम् · caṇḍanāyakam — the leader Caṇḍa

नन्दिकेशम् · nandikeśam — Lord Nandikeśa

गोविन्दः · govindaḥ — Lord Govinda

जघान · jaghāna — defeated

लघुलीलया · laghulīlayā — with effortless sport

गोविन्दः गणेशं कार्तिकेयं भैरवं चण्डनायकं नन्दिकेशं च लघुलीलया जघान।

Lord Gaṇeśa · Lord Kārtikeya · and · Lord Bhairava · the leader Caṇḍa · Lord Nandikeśa · Lord Govinda · defeated · with effortless sport

This verse depicts the overwhelming power of Lord Govinda as He effortlessly subdues the various attendants of Śiva, establishing the hierarchy of divine strength during the battle.

They fled quickly from the all-powerful Viṣṇu. The Lord of the universe (Viṣṇu) then cut off Bāṇa's thousand arms.

te dudruvustūrṇaṃ viṣṇunā prabhaviṣṇunā|

ciccheda bhujasāhasraṃ bāṇasya bhuvaneśvaraḥ

ते · te — they

दुद्रुवुः · dudruvuḥ — fled

तूर्णम् · tūrṇam — quickly

विष्णुना · viṣṇunā — by Viṣṇu

प्रभविष्णुना · prabhaviṣṇunā — the all-powerful

चिच्छेद · ciccheda — cut off

भुजसाहस्रम् · bhujasāhasram — thousand arms

बाणस्य · bāṇasya — of Bāṇa

भुवनेश्वरः · bhuvaneśvaraḥ — the Lord of the universe

ते प्रभविष्णुना विष्णुना तूर्णं दुद्रुवुः। भुवनेश्वरः बाणस्य भुजसाहस्रं चिच्छेद।

they · fled · quickly · by Viṣṇu · the all-powerful · cut off · thousand arms · of Bāṇa · the Lord of the universe

Following the defeat of his associates, the divine power of Viṣṇu compels the opposing forces to flee, leading to the climactic severing of Bāṇāsura's prideful arms.

The one who bears the crescent moon (Śiva) quickly pacified Viṣṇu. He (Viṣṇu) immediately spared Bāṇa, who was left with four arms.

sāntvayāmāsa sahasā viṣṇuṃ candrakalādharaḥ|

tatyāja sahasā bāṇamavaśiṣṭacaturbhujam

सान्त्वयामास · sāntvayāmāsa — pacified

सहसा · sahasā — quickly

विष्णुम् · viṣṇum — Lord Viṣṇu

चन्द्रकलाधरः · candrakalādharaḥ — the bearer of the crescent moon

तत्याज · tatyāja — spared

बाणम् · bāṇam — Bāṇa

अवशिष्टचतुर्भुजम् · avaśiṣṭacaturbhujam — left with four arms

चन्द्रकलाधरः सहसा विष्णुं सान्त्वयामास। अवशिष्टचतुर्भुजं बाणं सहसा तत्याज।

pacified · quickly · Lord Viṣṇu · the bearer of the crescent moon · spared · Bāṇa · left with four arms

This verse highlights the reconciliation between the two deities, where Śiva intervenes to pacify Viṣṇu, resulting in the sparing of Bāṇa's life.

Then Lord Viṣṇu, his excellent face adorned with a gentle smile, spoke sweet words to Śaṅkara, the one crowned with the moon.

tadaiva bhagavān viṣṇuḥ śaṅkaraṃ candraśekharam|

uvāca madhuraṃ vākyaṃ mandahāsavarānanaḥ

तदैव · tadaiva — then

भगवान् · bhagavān — the Lord

विष्णुः · viṣṇuḥ — Viṣṇu

शङ्करम् · śaṅkaram — to Śaṅkara

चन्द्रशेखरम् · candraśekharam — the moon-crowned

उवाच · uvāca — spoke

मधुरम् · madhuram — sweet

वाक्यम् · vākyam — words

मन्दहासवराननः · mandahāsavarānanaḥ — with a gentle smile on his face

तदैव मन्दहासवराननः भगवान् विष्णुः चन्द्रशेखरं शङ्करं मधुरं वाक्यम् उवाच।

then · the Lord · Viṣṇu · to Śaṅkara · the moon-crowned · spoke · sweet · words · with a gentle smile on his face

The transition from conflict to dialogue is marked here, as Viṣṇu prepares to reveal the non-dual truth of their divine identity to Śiva.

The Supreme Lord speaks:

O bearer of the crescent moon, there is not even a trace of difference between us. You are indeed I, and I am you. I am indeed in your heart.

śrībhagavānuvāca

āvayorbhedaleśo'pi nāsti candrakalādhara|

tvamevāhamahaṃ tvaṃ ca tavaiva hṛdaye'smyaham

आवयोः · āvayoḥ — between us

भेदलेशः · bhedaleśaḥ — trace of difference

अपि · api — even

न · na — not

अस्ति · asti — is

चन्द्रकलाधर · candrakalādhara — O bearer of the crescent moon

त्वम् · tvam — you

एव · eva — indeed

अहम् · aham — I

तव · tava — in your

हृदये · hṛdaye — heart

अस्मि · asmi — am

चन्द्रकलाधर, आवयोः भेदलेशोऽपि नास्ति। त्वमेव अहम्, अहम् त्वं च, तव हृदये अहम् अस्मि।

between us · trace of difference · even · not · is · O bearer of the crescent moon · you · indeed · I · in your · heart · am

Viṣṇu establishes the theological foundation of the text, declaring the absolute unity between Himself and Śiva, essential for the devotee's understanding.

As the Lord of the universe, I perform creation in the form of Brahmā, destruction in your form, and maintenance in my own form.

sṛṣṭiṃ ca brahmarūpeṇa saṃhāraṃ tava rūpataḥ|

sthitiṃ ca mama rūpeṇa karomi jagadīśvaraḥ

सृष्टिम् · sṛṣṭim — creation

ब्रह्मरूपेण · brahmarūpeṇa — in the form of Brahmā

संहारम् · saṃhāram — destruction

तव · tava — your

रूपतः · rūpataḥ — by the form

स्थितिम् · sthitim — maintenance

मम · mama — my

रूपेण · rūpeṇa — in the form

करोमि · karomi — I perform

जगदीश्वरः · jagadīśvaraḥ — as the Lord of the universe

जगदीश्वरः अहं ब्रह्मरूपेण सृष्टिं, तव रूपतः संहारं, मम रूपेण स्थितिं च करोमि।

creation · in the form of Brahmā · destruction · your · by the form · maintenance · my · in the form · I perform · as the Lord of the universe

This verse clarifies the functional roles of the Trinity, explaining that the Lord performs all cosmic duties through different manifestations.

My devotee who hates Śaṅkara, and your devotee who hates me—both of them go to hell for as long as the moon and sun exist.

madbhaktaḥ śaṅkaradveṣī madveṣī śaṅkarapriyaḥ|

ubhau tau narakaṃ yāto yāvaccandradivākaram

मद्भक्तः · madbhaktaḥ — my devotee

शङ्करद्वेषी · śaṅkaradveṣī — hating Śaṅkara

मद्वेषी · madveṣī — hating me

शङ्करप्रियः · śaṅkarapriyaḥ — loving Śaṅkara

उभौ · ubhau — both

तौ · tau — they

नरकम् · narakam — hell

यातौ · yātau — go

यावत् · yāvat — as long as

चन्द्रदिवाकरम् · candradivākaram — moon and sun exist

मद्भक्तः शङ्करद्वेषी, मद्वेषी शङ्करप्रियः, तौ उभौ यावच्चन्द्रदिवाकरं नरकं यातौ।

my devotee · hating Śaṅkara · hating me · loving Śaṅkara · both · they · hell · go · as long as · moon and sun exist

This verse serves as a stern warning against sectarianism, emphasizing that hatred toward either deity leads to spiritual ruin.

Your devotee is indeed my devotee, and my devotee is likewise yours. O Śiva, I protect your devotees with respect and compassion.

tvadbhakto mama bhakto hi mama bhaktaśca te tathā|

pālayāmi ca te bhaktān sādaraṃ kṛpayā śiva

त्वद्भक्तः · tvadbhakto — your devotee

मम · mama — my

भक्तः · bhakto — devotee

हि · hi — indeed

मम · mama — my

भक्तः · bhaktaḥ — devotee

च · ca — and

ते · te — yours

तथा · tathā — likewise

पालयामि · pālayāmi — I protect

सादरम् · sādaram — with respect

कृपया · kṛpayā — with compassion

शिव · śiva — O Śiva

त्वद्भक्तो मम भक्तो हि, मम भक्तश्च ते तथा। शिव, ते भक्तान् सादरं कृपया पालयामि।

your devotee · my · devotee · indeed · my · devotee · and · yours · likewise · I protect · with respect · with compassion · O Śiva

The Lord expresses His deep respect for Śiva's devotees, reinforcing the theme of mutual devotion and the unity of their followers.

O Śaṅkara, it was only to make your word come true that Bāṇa's thousand arms were cut off in sport, not out of anger.

tavaiva vacanaṃ satyaṃ kartuṃ śaṅkara līlayā|

chinnaṃ hi bhujasāhasraṃ bāṇasya na tu kopataḥ

तव · tava — your

एव · eva — indeed

वचनम् · vacanam — word

सत्यम् · satyam — true

कर्तुम् · kartum — to make

शङ्कर · śaṅkara — O Śaṅkara

लीलया · līlayā — in sport

छिन्नम् · chinnam — cut off

भुजसाहस्रम् · bhujasāhasram — thousand arms

बाणस्य · bāṇasya — of Bāṇa

न · na — not

तु · tu — but

कोपतः · kopataḥ — out of anger

शङ्कर, तव वचनं सत्यं कर्तुं लीलया बाणस्य भुजसाहस्रं छिन्नं, कोपतः तु न।

your · indeed · word · true · to make · O Śaṅkara · in sport · cut off · thousand arms · of Bāṇa · not · but · out of anger

Viṣṇu explains that the battle was a divine play (līlā) intended to honor Śiva's word, rather than an act of genuine anger.

O Śiva, I remember the boon I gave to Prahlāda long ago, that out of compassion I would not kill the daityas born in his lineage.

prahlādāya varaṃ dattaṃ smarāmi ca purā śiva|

tvadvaṃśasaṃbhavān daityānna hanmīti kṛpāvaśāt

प्रह्लादाय · prahlādāya — to Prahlāda

वरम् · varam — boon

दत्तम् · dattam — given

स्मरामि · smarāmi — I remember

पुरा · purā — long ago

शिव · śiva — O Śiva

त्वद्वंशसंभवान् · tvadvaṃśasaṃbhavān — born in your lineage

दैत्यान् · daityān — demons

न · na — not

हन्मि · hanmi — I kill

इति · iti — thus

कृपावशात् · kṛpāvaśāt — out of compassion

शिव, पुरा प्रह्लादाय दत्तं वरं स्मरामि, त्वद्वंशसंभवान् दैत्यान् कृपावशात् न हन्मीति।

to Prahlāda · boon · given · I remember · long ago · O Śiva · born in your lineage · demons · not · I kill · thus · out of compassion

The Lord invokes His past promise to Prahlāda to explain His mercy toward Bāṇa, demonstrating that divine actions are always consistent with previous commitments.

Therefore, O Śiva, having cut off the thousand arms of this very arrogant one in this battle, I have granted him four arms.

tasmāt sugarvitasyāsya dattaṃ bhujacatuṣṭayam|

chitvā bhujasahasraṃ ca mayā'smin saṃyuge śiva

तस्मात् · tasmāt — therefore

सुगर्वितस्य · sugarvitasya — of the very arrogant one

अस्य · asya — of this

दत्तम् · dattam — given

भुजचतुष्टयम् · bhujacatuṣṭayam — four arms

छित्वा · chitvā — having cut off

भुजसहस्रम् · bhujasahasram — the thousand arms

च · ca — and

मया · mayā — by me

अस्मिन् · asmin — in this

संयुगे · saṃyuge — battle

शिव · śiva — O Śiva

शिव, अस्मिन् संयुगे मया अस्य सुगर्वितस्य भुजसहस्रं छित्वा भुजचतुष्टयं दत्तम्।

therefore · of the very arrogant one · of this · given · four arms · having cut off · the thousand arms · and · by me · in this · battle · O Śiva

This verse concludes the Lord's explanation for sparing Bāṇāsura, reconciling the act of punishment with the divine vow to protect the lineage of Prahlāda. It emphasizes that the Lord's actions are always rooted in compassion, even when they appear as conflict.

Śrī Sadguru speaks:

Thus addressed by Viṣṇu, Rudra, with a greatly pleased mind, consoled Bāṇa, who stood humbly with folded hands.

śrīsadgururuvāca

ityukto viṣṇunā rudraḥ paramaprītamānasaḥ|

bāṇaṃ ca sāntvayāmāsa vinītaṃ vihitāñjalim

इत्युक्तः · ityuktaḥ — thus addressed

विष्णुना · viṣṇunā — by Viṣṇu

रुद्रः · rudraḥ — Rudra

परमप्रीतमानसः · paramaprītamānasaḥ — with a greatly pleased mind

बाणम् · bāṇam — Bāṇa

च · ca — and

सान्त्वयामास · sāntvayāmāsa — consoled

विनीतम् · vinītam — humbled

विहिताञ्जलिम् · vihitāñjalim — with folded hands

विष्णुना इत्युक्तः रुद्रः परमप्रीतमानसः सन् विनीतम् विहिताञ्जलिं बाणं सान्त्वयामास।

thus addressed · by Viṣṇu · Rudra · with a greatly pleased mind · Bāṇa · and · consoled · humbled · with folded hands

This verse marks the transition from the divine discourse to the resolution of the conflict, showing Rudra's immediate acceptance of the Lord's wisdom and his subsequent grace toward his devotee, Bāṇa.

Then Bāṇa, with a delighted soul, gave his daughter Uṣā to the hero Aniruddha and worshipped Keśava.

atha bāṇaḥ prahṛṣṭātmā dadau kanyāmuṣāṃ tathā|

aniruddhāya vīrāya pūjayāmāsa keśavam

अथ · atha — then

बाणः · bāṇaḥ — Bāṇa

प्रहृष्टात्मा · prahṛṣṭātmā — with a delighted soul

ददौ · dadau — gave

कन्याम् · kanyām — daughter

उषाम् · uṣām — Uṣā

तथा · tathā — also

अनिरुद्धाय · aniruddhāya — to Aniruddha

वीराय · vīrāya — to the hero

पूजयामास · pūjayāmāsa — worshipped

केशवम् · keśavam — Keśava

अथ प्रहृष्टात्मा बाणः अनिरुद्धाय वीराय कन्याम् उषां ददौ, तथा केशवम् पूजयामास।

then · Bāṇa · with a delighted soul · gave · daughter · Uṣā · also · to Aniruddha · to the hero · worshipped · Keśava

This verse depicts the restoration of order and the fulfillment of the marriage, highlighting the transformation of Bāṇa from a defiant demon to a devotee who honors the Lord.

Vāsudeva, greatly pleased, went back to Dvāravatī quickly, along with Uṣā, Aniruddha, and the army.

vāsudevaḥ pramudito yayau dvāravatīṃ punaḥ|

uṣayā cāniruddhena saha sainyena satvaram

वासुदेवः · vāsudevaḥ — Vāsudeva

प्रमुदितः · pramuditaḥ — greatly pleased

ययौ · yayau — went

द्वारवतीम् · dvāravatīm — to Dvāravatī

पुनः · punaḥ — again

उषया · uṣayā — with Uṣā

च · ca — and

अनिरुद्धेन · aniruddhena — with Aniruddha

सह · saha — along with

सैन्येन · sainyena — the army

सत्वरम् · satvaram — quickly

प्रमुदितः वासुदेवः उषया अनिरुद्धेन सह सैन्येन च सत्वरं पुनः द्वारवतीं ययौ।

Vāsudeva · greatly pleased · went · to Dvāravatī · again · with Uṣā · and · with Aniruddha · along with · the army · quickly

The verse describes the conclusion of the mission to Dvārakā, emphasizing the successful return of the Yādava hero and the restoration of familial harmony.

Then Lord Rudra, his anger revealed in vain, now with a pleased heart, spoke to Bāṇa, the chief of the dānavas.

athāha bhagavān rudro bāṇaṃ dānavapuṅgavam|

vyarthaṃ prakaṭitakrodhaḥ prasannahṛdayaḥ svayam

अथ · atha — then

आह · āha — spoke

भगवान् · bhagavān — Lord

रुद्रः · rudraḥ — Rudra

बाणम् · bāṇam — to Bāṇa

दानवपुङ्गवम् · dānavapuṅgavam — the chief of demons

व्यर्थम् · vyartham — in vain

प्रकटितक्रोधः · prakaṭitakrodhaḥ — whose anger was revealed

प्रसन्नहृदयः · prasannahṛdayaḥ — with a pleased heart

स्वयम् · svayam — himself

अथ प्रकटितक्रोधः व्यर्थं सन्, प्रसन्नहृदयः भगवान् रुद्रः स्वयम् दानवपुङ्गवं बाणं आह।

then · spoke · Lord · Rudra · to Bāṇa · the chief of demons · in vain · whose anger was revealed · with a pleased heart · himself

This verse serves as a pivot, showing Rudra's internal shift from a display of anger to a state of calm, setting the stage for his stern instruction to Bāṇa.

Rudra speaks:

You have committed a great sin against Viṣṇu and the Vaiṣṇavas. Therefore, you are not worthy of being my attendant. I forsake you.

rudra uvāca

viṣṇośca vaiṣṇavānāṃ ca tvayā pāpaṃ kṛtaṃ mahat|

tasmānmatpārṣadatvaṃ tvaṃ nārhasi tvāṃ tyajāmyaham

विष्णोः · viṣṇoḥ — of Viṣṇu

च · ca — and

वैष्णवानाम् · vaiṣṇavānām — of the Vaiṣṇavas

त्वया · tvayā — by you

पापम् · pāpam — sin

कृतम् · kṛtam — committed

महत् · mahat — great

तस्मात् · tasmāt — therefore

मत्पार्षदत्वम् · matpārṣadatvam — my attendant status

त्वम् · tvam — you

न · na — not

अर्हसि · arhasi — deserve

त्वाम् · tvām — you

त्यजामि · tyajāmi — I forsake

अहम् · aham — I

त्वया विष्णोः वैष्णवानां च महत् पापं कृतम्। तस्मात् त्वं मत्पार्षदत्वं न अर्हसि, अहं त्वां त्यजामि।

of Viṣṇu · and · of the Vaiṣṇavas · by you · sin · committed · great · therefore · my attendant status · you · not · deserve · you · I forsake · I

Rudra here establishes the theological boundary of his devotion, emphasizing that offense against Viṣṇu is incompatible with being a true devotee of Śiva.

My devotee who hates Mādhava, and Mādhava's devotee who hates me—both of them go to hell for as long as the moon and sun exist.

madbhakto mādhavadveṣī madveṣī mādhavapriyaḥ|

ubhau tau narakaṃ yāto yāvaccandradivākaram

मद्भक्तः · madbhakto — my devotee

माधवद्वेषी · mādhavadveṣī — who hates Mādhava

मद्वेषी · madveṣī — who hates me

माधवप्रियः · mādhavapriyaḥ — who loves Mādhava

उभौ · ubhau — both

तौ · tau — they

नरकम् · narakam — to hell

यातौ · yātau — go

यावत् · yāvat — as long as

चन्द्रदिवाकरम् · candradivākaram — the moon and sun exist

मद्भक्तः माधवद्वेषी, मद्वेषी माधवप्रियः, तौ उभौ यावच्चन्द्रदिवाकरं नरकं यातौ।

my devotee · who hates Mādhava · who hates me · who loves Mādhava · both · they · to hell · go · as long as · the moon and sun exist

This verse provides a universal warning about the unity of the divine, asserting that sectarian hatred is a grave spiritual error that leads to suffering.

Bāṇa speaks:

O Lord, forgive my offense, committed out of ignorance. I know the glory of Hari, which has been praised by Prahlāda and Bali.

bāṇa uvāca

bhagavannaparādhaṃ me kṣamasvājñānataḥ kṛtam|

jānāmi harimāhātmyaṃ prahlādabalikīrtitam

भगवन् · bhagavan — O Lord

अपराधम् · aparādham — offense

मे · me — my

क्षमस्व · kṣamasva — forgive

अज्ञानतः · ajñānataḥ — out of ignorance

कृतम् · kṛtam — committed

जानामि · jānāmi — I know

हरिमाहात्म्यम् · harimāhātmyam — the glory of Hari

प्रह्लादबलिकीर्तितम् · prahlādabalikīrtitam — praised by Prahlāda and Bali

भगवन्, अज्ञानतः कृतं मे अपराधं क्षमस्व। प्रह्लादबलिकीर्तितं हरिमाहात्म्यं अहं जानामि।

O Lord · offense · my · forgive · out of ignorance · committed · I know · the glory of Hari · praised by Prahlāda and Bali

Bāṇa's plea demonstrates the humility of a true devotee who recognizes his error and seeks to align himself with the wisdom of the great saints like Prahlāda and Bali.

O Lord, tell me the remedy for the destruction of this sin. And grant me my position as an attendant. Protect me, O Śaṅkara!

pāpasyāsya vināśāya parihāraṃ vada prabho|

pārṣadatvaṃ tathā dehi mahyaṃ māṃ pāhi śaṅkara

पापस्य · pāpasya — of the sin

अस्य · asya — this

विनाशाय · vināśāya — for the destruction

परिहारम् · parihāram — remedy

वद · vada — tell

प्रभो · prabho — O Lord

पार्षदत्वम् · pārṣadatvam — attendant status

तथा · tathā — also

देहि · dehi — grant

मह्यम् · mahyam — to me

माम् · mām — me

पाहि · pāhi — protect

शङ्कर · śaṅkara — O Śaṅkara

प्रभो, अस्य पापस्य विनाशाय परिहारं वद। मह्यं पार्षदत्वं देहि, शङ्कर मां पाहि।

of the sin · this · for the destruction · remedy · tell · O Lord · attendant status · also · grant · to me · me · protect · O Śaṅkara

This verse shows Bāṇa's total surrender, as he asks for both the remedy for his sin and the restoration of his relationship with his master, Śiva.

Rudra speaks:

There is an auspicious sacred place named Śītavātapura. O chief of asuras, the Pāpanāśana Tīrtha is also there.

rudra uvāca

śītavātapuraṃ nāma kṣetramasti śubhaṅkaram|

pāpanāśanatīrthaṃ ca tatrāstyasurapuṅgava

शीतवातपुरम् · śītavātapuram — Śītavātapura

नाम · nāma — named

क्षेत्रम् · kṣetram — sacred place

अस्ति · asti — exists

शुभङ्करम् · śubhaṅkaram — auspicious

पापनाशनतीर्थम् · pāpanāśanatīrtham — Pāpanāśana Tīrtha

च · ca — and

तत्र · tatra — there

अस्ति · asti — exists

असुरपुङ्गव · asurapuṅgava — O chief of asuras

असुरपुङ्गव, शीतवातपुरं नाम शुभङ्करं क्षेत्रम् अस्ति। तत्र पापनाशनतीर्थं च अस्ति।

Śītavātapura · named · sacred place · exists · auspicious · Pāpanāśana Tīrtha · and · there · exists · O chief of asuras

Rudra provides the specific solution to Bāṇa's spiritual crisis, directing him to the sacred site of Śītavātapura, which serves as the focal point for the chapter's theme of redemption.

Go there and worship the Lord of the Universe with faith. Then, O dānava, you will regain your position as my attendant.

tatra gatvā jagannāthaṃ pūjaya śraddhayaiva hi|

tadā matpārṣadatvaṃ tvaṃ punaḥ prāpsyasi dānava

तत्र · tatra — there

गत्वा · gatvā — having gone

जगन्नाथम् · jagannātham — the Lord of the universe

पूजय · pūjaya — worship

श्रद्धया · śraddhayā — with faith

एव · eva — indeed

हि · hi — certainly

तदा · tadā — then

मत्पार्षदत्वम् · matpārṣadatvam — my state of being an attendant

त्वम् · tvam — you

पुनः · punaḥ — again

प्राप्स्यसि · prāpsyasi — will obtain

दानव · dānava — O demon

त्वं तत्र गत्वा श्रद्धया एव जगन्नाथं पूजय। हे दानव, तदा त्वं पुनः मत्पार्षदत्वं प्राप्स्यसि।

there · having gone · the Lord of the universe · worship · with faith · indeed · certainly · then · my state of being an attendant · you · again · will obtain · O demon

This verse provides the specific remedy for Bāṇāsura's sin, directing him to the sacred site of Śītavātapura. It emphasizes that restoration of divine status is achieved through faith-filled worship at this holy place.

Śrī Sadguru speaks:

Thus instructed, the king of asuras went to Śītavātapura and worshipped Viṣṇu, the father of the worlds, and Śrī, the mother of the worlds.

śrīsadgururuvāca

ityukto'surarājendraḥ śītavātapuraṃ gataḥ|

pitaraṃ jagatāṃ viṣṇuṃ jagatāṃ mātaraṃ śriyam

इत्युक्तः · ityuktaḥ — thus addressed

असुरराजेन्द्रः · asurarājendraḥ — the king of the demons

शीतवातपुरम् · śītavātapuram — to Śītavātapura

गतः · gataḥ — went

पितरम् · pitaram — the father

जगताम् · jagatām — of the worlds

विष्णुम् · viṣṇum — Viṣṇu

जगताम् · jagatām — of the worlds

मातरम् · mātaram — the mother

श्रियम् · śriyam — Lakṣmī

इति उक्तः असुरराजेन्द्रः शीतवातपुरं गतः। सः जगतां पितरं विष्णुं जगतां मातरं श्रियं च पूजयामास।

thus addressed · the king of the demons · to Śītavātapura · went · the father · of the worlds · Viṣṇu · of the worlds · the mother · Lakṣmī

This verse marks the transition where Bāṇāsura acts upon the instruction, establishing the setting of the pilgrimage. It highlights the dual worship of the Divine Couple, Viṣṇu and Lakṣmī, as the path to redemption.

He worshipped according to the rules, with faith and devotion. Viṣṇu became well-pleased and bestowed auspiciousness upon him.

pūjayāmāsa vidhivacchraddhayā bhaktipūrvakam|

suprītaścābhavadviṣṇurdadau tasmai ca maṅgalam

पूजयामास · pūjayāmāsa — he worshipped

विधिवत् · vidhivat — according to rules

श्रद्धया · śraddhayā — with faith

भक्तिपूर्वकम् · bhaktipūrvakam — with devotion

सुप्रीतश्च · suprītaśca — and became well-pleased

अभवत् · abhavat — became

विष्णुः · viṣṇuḥ — Viṣṇu

ददौ · dadau — gave

तस्मै · tasmai — to him

च · ca — and

मङ्गलम् · maṅgalam — auspiciousness

सः विधिवत् श्रद्धया भक्तिपूर्वकं पूजयामास। विष्णुः सुप्रीतः अभवत् तस्मै च मङ्गलं ददौ।

he worshipped · according to rules · with faith · with devotion · and became well-pleased · became · Viṣṇu · gave · to him · and · auspiciousness

This verse confirms that the worship was performed correctly, leading to the grace of the Lord. It emphasizes that sincere devotion and adherence to scriptural rules are the keys to divine pleasure.

The great asura regained his position as an attendant of Śiva, which is very difficult to obtain for gods and asuras, by the grace of Kṛṣṇa alone.

śivasya pārṣadatvaṃ ca punarlebhe mahāsuraḥ|

prasādenaiva kṛṣṇasya surāsurasudurlabham

शिवस्य · śivasya — of Śiva

पार्षदत्वम् · pārṣadatvam — the state of being an attendant

पुनः · punaḥ — again

लेभे · lebhe — he obtained

महासुरः · mahāsuraḥ — the great demon

प्रसादेन · prasādena — by the grace

एव · eva — only

कृष्णस्य · kṛṣṇasya — of Kṛṣṇa

सुरासुरसुदुर्लभम् · surāsurasudurlabham — very difficult for gods and demons to obtain

महासुरः कृष्णस्य प्रसादेन एव सुरासुरसुदुर्लभं शिवस्य पार्षदत्वं पुनः लेभे।

of Śiva · the state of being an attendant · again · he obtained · the great demon · by the grace · only · of Kṛṣṇa · very difficult for gods and demons to obtain

This verse concludes the narrative arc of Bāṇāsura's redemption, showing that even the most difficult divine positions are accessible through the grace of Kṛṣṇa. It underscores the supremacy of Kṛṣṇa's mercy.

Those people on earth who serve Viṣṇu in Śītavātapura, they attain a status once lost. There is no doubt.

śītavātapure viṣṇuṃ ye sevante narā bhuvi|

prāpnuvanti ca te sthānaṃ punarnaṣṭaṃ na saṃśayaḥ

शीतवातपुरे · śītavātapure — in Śītavātapura

विष्णुम् · viṣṇum — Viṣṇu

ये · ye — those who

सेवन्ते · sevante — serve

नराः · narāḥ — people

भुवि · bhuvi — on earth

प्राप्नुवन्ति · prāpnuvanti — they obtain

स्थानम् · sthānam — status

पुनर्नष्टम् · punarnaṣṭam — once lost

न · na — no

संशयः · saṃśayaḥ — doubt

ये नराः भुवि शीतवातपुरे विष्णुं सेवन्ते, ते पुनर्नष्टं स्थानं प्राप्नुवन्ति, अत्र न संशयः।

in Śītavātapura · Viṣṇu · those who · serve · people · on earth · they obtain · status · once lost · no · doubt

This verse transitions from the specific story of Bāṇāsura to a general promise for all devotees. It establishes Śītavātapura as a place where lost spiritual status or grace can be recovered.

That maiden who worships Lakṣmī, the Pārijāta creeper, and Hari, the father of the universe, obtains an excellent husband.

pārijātalatāṃ lakṣmīṃ jagataḥ pitaraṃ harim|

yā pūjayati kanyā sā prāpnoti varamuttamam

पारिजातलताम् · pārijātalatām — the Pārijāta creeper (Lakṣmī)

लक्ष्मीम् · lakṣmīm — Lakṣmī

जगतः · jagataḥ — of the world

पितरम् · pitaram — the father

हरिम् · harim — Hari

या · yā — who (she)

पूजयति · pūjayati — worships

कन्या · kanyā — maiden

सा · sā — she

प्राप्नोति · prāpnoti — obtains

वरम् · varam — husband

उत्तमम् · uttamam — excellent

या कन्या पारिजातलतां लक्ष्मीं जगतः पितरं हरिं च पूजयति, सा उत्तमं वरं प्राप्नोति।

the Pārijāta creeper (Lakṣmī) · Lakṣmī · of the world · the father · Hari · who (she) · worships · maiden · she · obtains · husband · excellent

This verse offers a specific phala-śruti for maidens, linking the worship of the Divine Couple to the attainment of an ideal partner. It reinforces the theme of Uṣā's marriage as a model for devotion.

A king who reads this story of Uṣā's marriage and Viṣṇu's victory becomes victorious everywhere.

uṣāpariṇayaṃ caivaṃ viṣṇośca vijayaṃ tathā|

paṭhan bhavati sarvatra vijayī nanu pārthivaḥ

उषापरिणयम् · uṣāpariṇayam — the marriage of Uṣā

च · ca — and

एवम् · evam — thus

विष्णोः · viṣṇoḥ — of Viṣṇu

विजयम् · vijayam — victory

तथा · tathā — also

पठन् · paṭhan — reading

भवति · bhavati — becomes

सर्वत्र · sarvatra — everywhere

विजयी · vijayī — victorious

ननु · nanu — indeed

पार्थिवः · pārthivaḥ — king

यः पार्थिवः उषापरिणयं विष्णोः विजयं च एवं पठन्, सः सर्वत्र विजयी भवति ननु।

the marriage of Uṣā · and · thus · of Viṣṇu · victory · also · reading · becomes · everywhere · victorious · indeed · king

This final verse serves as the concluding phala-śruti for the entire chapter, promising victory to any ruler who studies this sacred history. It frames the text as a source of auspiciousness and success.