धन्विपुरमाहात्म्यम् Dhanvi Pura Māhātmyam

The Sadguru said:

In former times, there was a great asura renowned as Kālanemi. Along with his retinue, he perpetrated violence against the Brahmanas.

śrīsadgururuvāca

kālanemiriti khyātaḥ pūrvamāsīnmahāsuraḥ |

sa cakāra brahmahiṃsāṃ parivārasamanvitaḥ

कालनेमिः · kālanemiḥ — the demon named Kalanemi

इति · iti — thus

ख्यातः · khyātaḥ — renowned

पूर्वम् · pūrvam — in ancient times

आसीत् · āsīt — there was

महासुरः · mahāsuraḥ — a great demon

सः · saḥ — he

चकार · cakāra — performed

ब्रह्महिंसाम् · brahmahiṃsām — violence against Brahmanas

परिवारसमन्वितः · parivārasamanvitaḥ — accompanied by his retinue

पूर्वम् कालनेमिः इति ख्यातः महासुरः आसीत् । सः परिवारसमन्वितः ब्रह्महिंसाम् चकार ।

the demon named Kalanemi · thus · renowned · in ancient times · there was · a great demon · he · performed · violence against Brahmanas · accompanied by his retinue

This verse introduces the antagonist, Kālanemi, establishing the conflict that necessitates the divine intervention at Dhanvipuram. It sets the stage for the narrative by highlighting the demon's oppressive nature.

Having performed a terribly severe penance and brought the four-faced Brahmā under his control, the wicked-minded one obtained boons and became arrogant from them.

tapaḥ kṛtvā mahāghoraṃ vaśīkṛtya caturmukham |

varān prāpya sudurmedhā babhūva varagarvitaḥ

तपः · tapaḥ — penance

कृत्वा · kṛtvā — having performed

महाघोरम् · mahāghoram — terribly severe

वशीकृत्य · vaśīkṛtya — having brought under control

चतुर्मुखम् · caturmukham — the four-faced Brahma

वरान् · varān — boons

प्राप्य · prāpya — having obtained

सुदुर्मेधाः · sudurmedhāḥ — wicked-minded one

बभूव · babhūva — became

वरगर्वितः · varagarvitaḥ — arrogant due to boons

महाघोरं तपः कृत्वा चतुर्मुखं वशीकृत्य, वरान् प्राप्य सः सुदुर्मेधाः वरगर्वितः बभूव ।

penance · having performed · terribly severe · having brought under control · the four-faced Brahma · boons · having obtained · wicked-minded one · became · arrogant due to boons

This verse explains the source of the demon's power, showing how his arrogance grew from misused spiritual austerities, which is a common theme in Puranic literature.

Waging war with the gods and entering Amarāvatī, the chief of the dānavas established his own kingdom in heaven.

amaraiḥ samaraṃ kṛtvā praviśyaivāmarāvatīm

svarājyaṃ sthāpayāmāsa divi dānavapuṅgavaḥ

अमरैः · amaraiḥ — with the gods

समरं · samaram — war

कृत्वा · kṛtvā — having waged

प्रविश्य · praviśya — having entered

अमरावतीम् · amarāvatīm — the city of Amaravati

स्वराज्यम् · svarājyam — his own kingdom

स्थापयामास · sthāpayāmāsa — established

दिवि · divi — in heaven

दानवपुङ्गवः · dānavapuṅgavaḥ — the chief of demons

दानवपुङ्गवः अमरैः समरं कृत्वा अमरावतीं प्रविश्य दिवि स्वराज्यं स्थापयामास ।

with the gods · war · having waged · having entered · the city of Amaravati · his own kingdom · established · in heaven · the chief of demons

This verse depicts the escalation of the conflict to the celestial realm, emphasizing the severity of the demon's tyranny and the displacement of the gods.

Frightened by him, all the gods secretly went to Dhanvipuram. They hid there with their families, reduced to a pitiable state.

tena bhītāḥ surāḥ sarve raho dhanvipuraṃ gatāḥ |

nililyuḥ sakuṭumbāśca dayanīyadaśāṃ gatāḥ

तेन · tena — by him

भीताः · bhītāḥ — frightened

सुराः · surāḥ — the gods

सर्वे · sarve — all

रहः · rahaḥ — secretly

धन्विपुरम् · dhanvipuram — to Dhanvipuram

गताः · gatāḥ — went

निलिल्युः · nililyuḥ — hid

सकुटुम्बाः · sakuṭumbāḥ — with families

दयनीयदशाम् · dayanīyadaśām — pitiable state

गताः · gatāḥ — reached

तेन भीताः सर्वे सुराः रहः धन्विपुरं गताः । ते सकुटुम्बाः दयनीयदशां गताः निलिल्युः ।

by him · frightened · the gods · all · secretly · to Dhanvipuram · went · hid · with families · pitiable state · reached

This verse introduces the location of the Divya Desam, Dhanvipuram, as the sanctuary for the gods, marking the transition from conflict to divine refuge.

Seeing their condition, the four-faced Brahmā himself went and consoled them, recounting the glory of Viṣṇu.

teṣāṃ daśāṃ vilokyātha svayameva caturmukhaḥ |

sāntvayāmāsa tān gatvā kathayan viṣṇuvaibhavam

तेषाम् · teṣām — their

दशाम् · daśām — condition

विलोक्य · vilokya — having seen

अथ · atha — then

स्वयमेव · svayameva — himself

चतुर्मुखः · caturmukhaḥ — Brahma

सान्त्वयामास · sāntvayāmāsa — consoled

तान् · tān — them

गत्वा · gatvā — having gone

कथयन् · kathayan — recounting

विष्णुवैभवम् · viṣṇuvaibhavam — the glory of Vishnu

अथ तेषां दशां विलोक्य चतुर्मुखः स्वयमेव तान् गत्वा विष्णुवैभवं कथयन् सान्त्वयामास ।

their · condition · having seen · then · himself · Brahma · consoled · them · having gone · recounting · the glory of Vishnu

Brahma's intervention serves to remind the gods of the ultimate power of Vishnu, shifting their focus from their current misery to the hope of divine grace.

Hearing Brahmā's words, they went to the Ocean of Milk and sought refuge in the one who gives refuge, the granter of fearlessness to the fearful.

brahmaṇo vacanaṃ śrutvā te gatvā kṣīrasāgaram |

śaraṇyaṃ śaraṇaṃ prāpurbhītānāmabhayapradam

ब्रह्मणः · brahmaṇaḥ — of Brahma

वचनम् · vacanam — words

श्रुत्वा · śrutvā — having heard

ते · te — they

गत्वा · gatvā — having gone

क्षीरसागरम् · kṣīrasāgaram — to the Ocean of Milk

शरण्यम् · śaraṇyam — the refuge

शरणम् · śaraṇam — refuge

प्रापुः · prāpuḥ — attained

भीतानाम् · bhītānām — of the frightened

अभयप्रदम् · abhayapradam — the granter of fearlessness

ब्रह्मणः वचनं श्रुत्वा ते क्षीरसागरं गत्वा भीतानाम् अभयप्रदं शरण्यं शरणं प्रापुः ।

of Brahma · words · having heard · they · having gone · to the Ocean of Milk · the refuge · refuge · attained · of the frightened · the granter of fearlessness

This verse marks the gods' active pursuit of divine refuge, emphasizing that the path to victory lies in seeking the Lord of the Ocean of Milk.

Then Viṣṇu, Keśava, the Lord of all, having bestowed His own strength, sent them to do battle with the asuras.

tadā sarveśvaro viṣṇuḥ preṣayāmāsa keśavaḥ

asuraiḥ samaraṃ kartuṃ pradāyaiva nijaṃ balam

तदा · tadā — then

सर्वेश्वरः · sarveśvaraḥ — the Lord of all

विष्णुः · viṣṇuḥ — Vishnu

केशवः · keśavaḥ — Keshava

प्रेषयामास · preṣayāmāsa — sent

असुरैः · asuraiḥ — with the demons

समरम् · samaram — battle

कर्तुम् · kartum — to do

प्रदाय · pradāya — having given

निजम् · nijam — His own

बलम् · balam — strength

तदा सर्वेश्वरः केशवः विष्णुः निजं बलम् प्रदायैव असुरैः समरं कर्तुं तान् प्रेषयामास ।

then · the Lord of all · Vishnu · Keshava · sent · with the demons · battle · to do · having given · His own · strength

This verse highlights the Lord's role as the source of strength for his devotees, showing that divine support is the key to overcoming demonic forces.

Hearing from the mouth of Nārada about the increased strength of those who had taken refuge in Viṣṇu, the great asura came, filled with arrogance.

āśritānāṃ viṣṇumevaṃ balādhikyaṃ mahāsuraḥ |

ākarṇya nāradamukhādājagāma sugarvitaḥ

आश्रितानाम् · āśritānām — of those who took refuge

विष्णुम् · viṣṇum — in Vishnu

एवम् · evam — thus

बलाधिक्यम् · balādhikyam — increased strength

महासुरः · mahāsuraḥ — the great demon

आकर्ण्य · ākarṇya — having heard

नारदमुखात् · nāradamukhāt — from the mouth of Narada

आजगाम · ājagāma — came

सुगर्वितः · sugarvitaḥ — filled with arrogance

महासुरः आश्रितानां विष्णुं बलाधिक्यम् एवं नारदमुखात् आकर्ण्य सुगर्वितः आजगाम ।

of those who took refuge · in Vishnu · thus · increased strength · the great demon · having heard · from the mouth of Narada · came · filled with arrogance

The demon's reaction to the news of the gods' strength illustrates the nature of arrogance, which blinds the wicked to the power of the Divine.

Seeing Kālanemi who had arrived with a great army to do battle, the gods became enthusiastic.

mahatyā senayā sārdhaṃ yuddhaṃ kartumupāgatam

kālanemiṃ vilokyāpi prāpuḥ kautūhalaṃ surāḥ

महत्या · mahatyā — with a great

सेनया · senayā — army

सार्धम् · sārdham — together with

युद्धम् · yuddham — battle

कर्तुम् · kartum — to do

उपागतम् · upāgatam — arrived

कालनेमिम् · kālanemim — Kalanemi

विलोक्य · vilokya — having seen

अपि · api — even

प्रापुः · prāpuḥ — attained

कौतूहलम् · kautūhalam — enthusiasm

सुराः · surāḥ — the gods

महत्या सेनया सार्धं युद्धं कर्तुम् उपागतं कालनेमिं विलोक्य अपि सुराः कौतूहलं प्रापुः ।

with a great · army · together with · battle · to do · arrived · Kalanemi · having seen · even · attained · enthusiasm · the gods

The gods' renewed enthusiasm upon seeing the enemy signifies their faith in the strength granted by Vishnu, contrasting with their earlier fear.

Relying on Keśava's strength, the gods then fought. Nevertheless, the dānava struck down all the gods in the battle.

āśritya keśavabalaṃ yuddhaṃ cakruḥ surāstadā

tathāpi dānavo jaghne saṅgare sakalān surān

आश्रित्य · āśritya — relying on

केशवबलम् · keśavabalam — Keshava's strength

युद्धम् · yuddham — battle

चक्रुः · cakruḥ — did

सुराः · surāḥ — the gods

तदा · tadā — then

तथापि · tathāpi — nevertheless

दानवः · dānavaḥ — the demon

जघ्ने · jaghne — struck down

सङ्गरे · saṅgare — in the battle

सकलान् · sakalān — all

सुरान् · surān — gods

तदा सुराः केशवबलम् आश्रित्य युद्धं चक्रुः । तथापि दानवः सङ्गरे सकलान् सुरान् जघ्ने ।

relying on · Keshava's strength · battle · did · the gods · then · nevertheless · the demon · struck down · in the battle · all · gods

This verse demonstrates the formidable nature of the demon, showing that even with divine strength, the battle is intense and requires the direct intervention of the Lord.

With mace, axe, śataghnī, sword, and arrows, and with a great spear, all the gods were slain in the battle.

gadayā paṭṭiśenāpi śataghnyā cāsinā śaraiḥ|

śūlena mahatā sarve nihatāḥ samare surāḥ

गदया · gadayā — with a mace

पट्टिशेन · paṭṭiśena — with an axe

अपि · api — also

शतघ्न्या · śataghnyā — with a śataghnī weapon

च · ca — and

असिना · asinā — with a sword

शरैः · śaraiḥ — with arrows

शूलेन · śūlena — with a spear

महता · mahatā — great

सर्वे · sarve — all

निहताः · nihatāḥ — slain

समरे · samare — in battle

सुराः · surāḥ — the gods

सर्वे सुराः समरे गदया पट्टिशेन शतघ्न्या असिना शरैः महता शूलेन च निहताः।

with a mace · with an axe · also · with a śataghnī weapon · and · with a sword · with arrows · with a spear · great · all · slain · in battle · the gods

This verse depicts the overwhelming power of the demon Kālanemi, who systematically defeats the gods, setting the stage for their total helplessness and subsequent surrender to Viṣṇu.

Varuṇa, casting aside his noose, Yama his staff—his own weapon, Indra too casting aside his vajra, and all the gods their own weapons, fled, terrified, and went to Keśava for refuge.

varuṇaḥ pāśamutsṛjya yamo daṇḍaṃ nijāyudham |

indro'pi vajramutsṛjya sarve devā nijāyudham |

dudruvurbhayabhītāśca keśavaṃ śaraṇaṃ yayuḥ

वरुणः · varuṇaḥ — Varuna

पाशम् · pāśam — noose

उत्सृज्य · utsṛjya — having cast aside

यमः · yamo — Yama

दण्डम् · daṇḍaṃ — staff

निजायुधम् · nijāyudham — his own weapon

इन्द्रः · indro — Indra

अपि · api — also

वज्रम् · vajram — thunderbolt

सर्वे · sarve — all

देवाः · devā — gods

दुद्रुवुः · dudruvur — fled

भयभीताः · bhayabhītāśca — terrified

केशवम् · keśavaṃ — Keśava

शरणम् · śaraṇaṃ — refuge

ययुः · yayuḥ — went

वरुणः पाशम् उत्सृज्य, यमः निजायुधं दण्डम्, इन्द्रः अपि वज्रम् उत्सृज्य, सर्वे देवाः भयभीताः दुद्रुवुः केशवं शरणं ययुः।

Varuna · noose · having cast aside · Yama · staff · his own weapon · Indra · also · thunderbolt · all · gods · fled · terrified · Keśava · refuge · went

The gods, having lost their weapons and dignity, are forced to abandon their pride and seek refuge in Keśava, illustrating the necessity of total surrender for divine intervention.

Then Viṣṇu, the Lord of all, mounting the son of Vinatā (Garuḍa) and taking the discus in His hand, came to the battlefield.

tadā sarveśvaro viṣṇurāruhya vinatāsutam

ādāya cakraṃ hastena hyājagāma raṇāṅgaṇam

तदा · tadā — then

सर्वेश्वरः · sarveśvaro — Lord of all

विष्णुः · viṣṇur — Viṣṇu

आरुह्य · āruhya — having mounted

विनतासुतम् · vinatāsutam — son of Vinatā (Garuda)

आदाय · ādāya — having taken

चक्रम् · cakraṃ — discus

हस्तेन · hastena — in hand

हि · hy — indeed

आजगाम · ājagāma — arrived

रणाङ्गणम् · raṇāṅgaṇam — battlefield

तदा सर्वेश्वरः विष्णुः विनतासुतम् आरुह्य हस्तेन चक्रम् आदाय रणाङ्गणं हि आजगाम।

then · Lord of all · Viṣṇu · having mounted · son of Vinatā (Garuda) · having taken · discus · in hand · indeed · arrived · battlefield

Viṣṇu's arrival on the battlefield marks the transition from the gods' defeat to the imminent restoration of cosmic order through the Lord's direct action.

Merely by the sight of Viṣṇu, the best of gods became delighted and, filled with excitement, praised Him, saying, "Victory, victory to you, O Deva!"

viṣṇordarśanamātreṇa prahṛṣṭā devasattamāḥ

jitaṃ jitaṃ te deveti tuṣṭuvurjātakautukāḥ

विष्णोः · viṣṇor — of Viṣṇu

दर्शनमात्रेण · darśanamātreṇa — by mere sight

प्रहृष्टाः · prahṛṣṭā — delighted

देवसत्तमाः · devasattamāḥ — best of gods

जितं · jitaṃ — victory

ते · te — to You

देव · deva — O God

इति · iti — thus

तुष्टुवुः · tuṣṭuvur — praised

जातकौतुकाः · jātakautukāḥ — filled with excitement

विष्णोः दर्शनमात्रेण प्रहृष्टाः देवसत्तमाः जातकौतुकाः सन्तः 'देव ते जितं जितम्' इति तुष्टुवुः।

of Viṣṇu · by mere sight · delighted · best of gods · victory · to You · O God · thus · praised · filled with excitement

The sudden joy of the gods upon seeing Viṣṇu highlights the psychological shift from despair to hope, affirming that the Lord's presence alone is the source of victory.

Keśava employed the discus with effortless play. Kālanemi was struck down instantly and fell to the earth like a tree.

cakre cakraprayogaṃ ca keśavo laghulīlayā

kālanemirhataḥ sadyaḥ papāta bhuvi vṛkṣavat

चक्रे · cakre — employed

चक्रप्रयोगम् · cakraprayogaṃ — use of the discus

केशवः · keśavo — Keśava

लघुलीलया · laghulīlayā — with effortless play

कालनेमिः · kālanemir — Kālanemi

हतः · hataḥ — struck down

सद्यः · sadyaḥ — instantly

पपात · papāta — fell

भुवि · bhuvi — on earth

वृक्षवत् · vṛkṣavat — like a tree

केशवः लघुलीलया चक्रप्रयोगं चक्रे। कालनेमिः सद्यः हतः भुवि वृक्षवत् पपात।

employed · use of the discus · Keśava · with effortless play · Kālanemi · struck down · instantly · fell · on earth · like a tree

This verse demonstrates the ease with which the Lord destroys evil, contrasting the gods' struggle with the effortless play (līlā) of the Supreme Being.

Struck by the discus, all the dānavas were felled to the earth. The earth then became red-colored with streams of blood.

cakreṇa nihatāḥ sarve dānavā bhuvi pātitāḥ |

medinī raktadhārābhiḥ raktavarṇā'bhavattadā

चक्रेण · cakreṇa — by the discus

निहताः · nihatāḥ — slain

सर्वे · sarve — all

दानवाः · dānavā — demons

भुवि · bhuvi — on earth

पातिताः · pātitāḥ — felled

मेदिनी · medinī — the earth

रक्तधाराभिः · raktadhārābhiḥ — with streams of blood

रक्तवर्णा · raktavarṇā — red-colored

अभवत् · abhavat — became

तदा · tadā — then

चक्रेण निहताः सर्वे दानवाः भुवि पातिताः। तदा मेदिनी रक्तधाराभिः रक्तवर्णा अभवत्।

by the discus · slain · all · demons · on earth · felled · the earth · with streams of blood · red-colored · became · then

The imagery of the earth turning red with blood emphasizes the total annihilation of the demonic forces, underscoring the finality of Viṣṇu's victory.

Having thus conquered those daityas and established the gods in heaven, Vāsudeva, the controller of all gods, disappeared.

evaṃ nirjitya daityāṃstān devān svarge nivāsya ca

antardadhe vāsudevaḥ sarvadevaniyāmakaḥ

एवम् · evaṃ — thus

निर्जित्य · nirjitya — having conquered

दैत्यान् · daityāṃs — demons

तान् · tān — those

देवान् · devān — gods

स्वर्गे · svarge — in heaven

निवास्य · nivāsya — having settled

च · ca — and

अन्तर्दधे · antardadhe — disappeared

वासुदेवः · vāsudevaḥ — Vāsudeva

सर्वदेवनियामकः · sarvadevaniyāmakaḥ — controller of all gods

एवं तान् दैत्यान् निर्जित्य देवान् स्वर्गे निवास्य च सर्वदेवनियामकः वासुदेवः अन्तर्दधे।

thus · having conquered · demons · those · gods · in heaven · having settled · and · disappeared · Vāsudeva · controller of all gods

The disappearance of Vāsudeva after his task is complete reinforces the idea that the Lord acts for the welfare of the world without attachment, returning to His hidden state.

This is that supreme kṣetra of the Lord of Śrī, the wielder of the Śārṅga bow, renowned by the name Dhanvipuram, the destroyer of all sins.

tadidaṃ paramaṃ kṣetraṃ śrīpateḥ śārṅgadhanvinaḥ

nāmnā dhanvipuraṃ khyātaṃ sarvapāpavināśakam

तत् · tad — that

इदम् · idaṃ — this

परमं · paramaṃ — supreme

क्षेत्रं · kṣetraṃ — abode

श्रीपतेः · śrīpateḥ — of the Lord of Śrī

शार्ङ्गधन्विनः · śārṅgadhanvinaḥ — wielder of the Śārṅga bow

नाम्ना · nāmnā — by the name

धन्विपुरं · dhanvipuraṃ — Dhanvipuram

ख्यातम् · khyātaṃ — renowned

सर्वपापविनाशकम् · sarvapāpavināśakam — destroyer of all sins

तत् इदं श्रीपतेः शार्ङ्गधन्विनः परमं क्षेत्रं नाम्ना धन्विपुरं ख्यातं सर्वपापविनाशकं वर्तते।

that · this · supreme · abode · of the Lord of Śrī · wielder of the Śārṅga bow · by the name · Dhanvipuram · renowned · destroyer of all sins

This verse identifies Dhanvipuram as a sacred place of immense power, linking the historical victory of Viṣṇu to the spiritual sanctity of the location.

In this kṣetra, there was a great, vast banyan tree. In its shade, Mārkaṇḍeya performed great penance.

asmin kṣetre mahānāsīdvaṭavṛkṣaḥ suvistaraḥ |

chāyāyāṃ tasya nidadhe mārkaṇḍeyastapo mahat

अस्मिन् · asmin — in this

क्षेत्रे · kṣetre — abode

महान् · mahān — great

आसीत् · āsīd — was

वटवृक्षः · vaṭavṛkṣaḥ — banyan tree

सुविस्तरः · suvistaraḥ — vast

छायायां · chāyāyāṃ — in the shade

तस्य · tasya — of that

निदधे · nidadhe — performed

मार्कण्डेयः · mārkaṇḍeyas — Mārkaṇḍeya

तपः · tapo — penance

महत् · mahat — great

अस्मिन् क्षेत्रे सुविस्तरः महान् वटवृक्षः आसीत्। तस्य छायायां मार्कण्डेयः महत् तपः निदधे।

in this · abode · great · was · banyan tree · vast · in the shade · of that · performed · Mārkaṇḍeya · penance · great

The mention of the banyan tree and Mārkaṇḍeya's penance establishes the continuity of the sacred atmosphere of Dhanvipuram across time.

The yogi, observer of great vows, the long-lived great sage, having conquered death by his penance, was eternally sixteen years old.

bṛhadvratadharo yogī cirañjīvī mahāmuniḥ |

mṛtyuṃ vijitya tapasā nityaṃ ṣoḍaśavārṣikaḥ

बृहद्व्रतधरः · bṛhadvratadharo — observer of great vows

योगी · yogī — yogi

चिरञ्जीवी · cirañjīvī — long-lived

महामुनिः · mahāmuniḥ — great sage

मृत्युं · mṛtyuṃ — death

विजित्य · vijitya — having conquered

तपसा · tapasā — by penance

नित्यं · nityaṃ — eternally

षोडशवार्षिकः · ṣoḍaśavārṣikaḥ — sixteen years old

बृहद्व्रतधरः योगी चिरञ्जीवी महामुनिः तपसा मृत्युं विजित्य नित्यं षोडशवार्षिकः आसीत्।

observer of great vows · yogi · long-lived · great sage · death · having conquered · by penance · eternally · sixteen years old

Describing Mārkaṇḍeya as a conqueror of death highlights the spiritual efficacy of the kṣetra and the transformative power of devotion and penance.

Residing for many kalpas, devoted to meditation on Viṣṇu, in every kalpa he would see Hari reclining on the waters of dissolution.

bahukalpanivāsī ca viṣṇudhyānaparāyaṇaḥ

kalpe kalpe hariṃ paśyan śayānaṃ pralayodake

बहुकल्पनिवासी · bahukalpanivāsī — residing for many kalpas

च · ca — and

विष्णुध्यानपरायणः · viṣṇudhyānaparāyaṇaḥ — devoted to meditation on Vishnu

कल्पे · kalpe — in every kalpa

कल्पे · kalpe — in every kalpa

हरिम् · hariṃ — Hari

पश्यन् · paśyan — seeing

शयानम् · śayānaṃ — reclining

प्रलयोदके · pralayodake — on the waters of dissolution

बहुकल्पनिवासी विष्णुध्यानपरायणः च सः कल्पे कल्पे प्रलयोदके शयानं हरिं पश्यन् आसीत्।

residing for many kalpas · and · devoted to meditation on Vishnu · in every kalpa · in every kalpa · Hari · seeing · reclining · on the waters of dissolution

This verse establishes Mārkaṇḍeya's unique status as a witness to the eternal nature of Hari across cosmic cycles. It highlights his role as a perpetual devotee who transcends time through meditation.

Unsatisfied and desiring to see Viṣṇu again, the sweet-spoken sage, firm in his vows, went to Dhanvipuram and performed penance.

atṛptaśca punarviṣṇuṃ draṣṭukāmaḥ priyaṃvadaḥ |

dhanvipuraṃ gatvā tapaścakre dṛḍhavrataḥ

अतृप्तः · atṛptaḥ — unsatisfied

च · ca — and

पुनः · punaḥ — again

विष्णुम् · viṣṇuṃ — Vishnu

द्रष्टुकामः · draṣṭukāmaḥ — desiring to see

प्रियंवदः · priyaṃvadaḥ — sweet-spoken

धन्विपुरम् · dhanvipuraṃ — to Dhanvipuram

गत्वा · gatvā — having gone

तपः · tapaḥ — penance

चक्रे · cakre — performed

दृढव्रतः · dṛḍhavrataḥ — firm in vows

अतृप्तः प्रियंवदः दृढव्रतः सः पुनः विष्णुं द्रष्टुकामः धन्विपुरं गत्वा तपः चक्रे।

unsatisfied · and · again · Vishnu · desiring to see · sweet-spoken · to Dhanvipuram · having gone · penance · performed · firm in vows

This verse marks the transition of the sage to Dhanvipuram, establishing it as the specific site where his longing for the Lord is finally fulfilled.

Once, when the pralaya (dissolution) arrived and water flooded everywhere, the king of yogis saw Viṣṇu, reclining on a banyan leaf.

kadācitpralaye prāpte sarvataḥ saṃplutodake |

viṣṇuṃ dadarśa yogīndro vaṭapatrapuṭeśayam

कदाचित् · kadācit — once

प्रलये · pralaye — at the time of dissolution

प्राप्ते · prāpte — having arrived

सर्वतः · sarvataḥ — everywhere

संप्लुतोदके · saṃplutodake — flooded with water

विष्णुम् · viṣṇuṃ — Vishnu

ददर्श · dadarśa — saw

योगीन्द्रः · yogīndraḥ — the king of yogis

वटपत्रपुटेशयम् · vaṭapatrapuṭeśayam — reclining on a banyan leaf

कदाचित् प्रलये प्राप्ते सर्वतः संप्लुतोदके सति योगीन्द्रः वटपत्रपुटेशयं विष्णुं ददर्श।

once · at the time of dissolution · having arrived · everywhere · flooded with water · Vishnu · saw · the king of yogis · reclining on a banyan leaf

This verse describes the climactic moment of the sage's vision, setting the scene for the divine manifestation of the Lord on a banyan leaf during the dissolution.

Him, whose eyes were like lotus petals, whose radiance was like a sapphire, served by Indra and other gods, the beloved of Indirā's life.

indīvaradalākṣaṃ tamindranīlamaṇiprabham

indrādidevasaṃsevyamindirāprāṇavallabham

इन्दीवरदलाक्षम् · indīvaradalākṣaṃ — lotus-petaled eyes

तम् · tam — him

इन्द्रनीलमणिप्रभम् · indranīlamaṇiprabham — sapphire-like radiance

इन्द्रादिदेवसंसेव्यम् · indrādidevasaṃsevyam — served by Indra and others

इन्दिराप्राणवल्लभम् · indirāprāṇavallabham — beloved of Indira's life

इन्दीवरदलाक्षं इन्द्रनीलमणिप्रभं इन्द्रादिदेवसंसेव्यं इन्दिराप्राणवल्लभं तं ददर्श।

lotus-petaled eyes · him · sapphire-like radiance · served by Indra and others · beloved of Indira's life

This verse provides the dhyāna-śloka or meditative description of the Lord, emphasizing His beauty and His relationship with the goddess of fortune.

Bearing the Śrīvatsa and Kaustubha, intent on protecting those who seek refuge, the bearer of Śrī, the support of the universe, a child of great beauty.

śrīvatsakaustubhadharaṃ śritarakṣaṇatatparam

śrīdharaṃ jagadādhāraṃ bālakaṃ bahusundaram

श्रीवत्सकौस्तुभधरम् · śrīvatsakaustubhadharaṃ — wearing Srivatsa and Kaustubha

श्रितरक्षणतत्परम् · śritarakṣaṇatatparam — intent on protecting those who seek refuge

श्रीधरम् · śrīdharaṃ — the bearer of Sri

जगदाधारम् · jagadādhāraṃ — the support of the world

बालकम् · bālakaṃ — a child

बहुसुन्दरम् · bahusundaram — very beautiful

श्रीवत्सकौस्तुभधरं श्रितरक्षणतत्परं श्रीधरं जगदाधारं बहुसुन्दरं बालकं ददर्श।

wearing Srivatsa and Kaustubha · intent on protecting those who seek refuge · the bearer of Sri · the support of the world · a child · very beautiful

This verse identifies the Lord as the protector and the ultimate support of the universe, reinforcing the theological foundation of the kṣetra's glory.

Sucking His own toe, the very sprout of supreme bliss—seeing Him, his lotus-eyes became moist with tears of love.

pibantaṃ caraṇāṅguṣṭhaṃ paramānandakandalam

vilokya premabāṣpeṇa susnigdhanayanāmbujaḥ

पिबन्तम् · pibantaṃ — sucking

चरणाङ्गुष्ठम् · caraṇāṅguṣṭhaṃ — his toe

परमानन्दकन्दलम् · paramānandakandalam — sprout of supreme bliss

विलोक्य · vilokya — having seen

प्रेमबाष्पेण · premabāṣpeṇa — with tears of love

सुस्निग्धनयनाम्बुजः · susnigdhanayanāmbujaḥ — with moist lotus-like eyes

परमानन्दकन्दलं चरणाङ्गुष्ठं पिबन्तं तं विलोक्य सुस्निग्धनयनाम्बुजः योगी प्रेमबाष्पेण पूर्णः अभवत्।

sucking · his toe · sprout of supreme bliss · having seen · with tears of love · with moist lotus-like eyes

This verse captures the emotional response of the sage, bridging the gap between the divine form and the devotee's internal experience of bhakti.

The king of yogis, the great sage Mārkaṇḍeya, praised the God, his hands joined in a hollow over his head, intent on meditating on Mukunda.

tuṣṭāva devaṃ yogīndro mārkaṇḍeyo mahāmuniḥ |

mūrdhni baddhāñjalipuṭo mukundadhyānatatparaḥ

तुष्टाव · tuṣṭāva — praised

देवम् · devaṃ — the God

योगीन्द्रः · yogīndraḥ — the king of yogis

मार्कण्डेयः · mārkaṇḍeyaḥ — Markandeya

महामुनिः · mahāmuniḥ — the great sage

मूर्ध्नि · mūrdhni — on the head

बद्धाञ्जलिपुटः · baddhāñjalipuṭaḥ — with joined palms

मुकुन्दध्यानतत्परः · mukundadhyānatatparaḥ — intent on meditating on Mukunda

योगीन्द्रः महामुनिः मार्कण्डेयः मूर्ध्नि बद्धाञ्जलिपुटः मुकुन्दध्यानतत्परः सन् देवं तुष्टाव।

praised · the God · the king of yogis · Markandeya · the great sage · on the head · with joined palms · intent on meditating on Mukunda

This verse prepares the reader for the stotra that follows, showing the sage's physical posture of humility and his mental state of total absorption.

Mārkaṇḍeya said:

I know You alone to be the root of the three worlds, O Govinda, O abode of the universe! At the time of dissolution, the universe merges into You alone, and You, O Keśava, remain, known as Śeṣa (the remainder).

mārkaṇḍeya uvāca

tvāmeva mūlaṃ bhuvanatrayāṇāṃ

jānāmi govinda jagannivāsa

tvayyeva līnaṃ pralaye jagacca

tvaṃ śiṣyase keśava śeṣasaṃjñaḥ

त्वाम् · tvām — You

एव · eva — alone

मूलम् · mūlaṃ — the root

भुवनत्रयाणाम् · bhuvanatrayāṇāṃ — of the three worlds

जानामि · jānāmi — I know

गोविन्द · govinda — O Govinda

जगन्निवास · jagannivāsa — O abode of the universe

त्वयि · tvayi — in You

लीनम् · līnaṃ — merged

प्रलये · pralaye — at dissolution

जगत् · jagat — the universe

त्वम् · tvaṃ — You

शिष्यसे · śiṣyase — remain

केशव · keśava — O Keshava

शेषसंज्ञः · śeṣasaṃjñaḥ — known as Sesha

हे गोविन्द! हे जगन्निवास! अहं त्वां एव भुवनत्रयाणां मूलं जानामि। प्रलये जगत् त्वयि एव लीनं भवति, त्वं च केशव शेषसंज्ञः शिष्यसे।

You · alone · the root · of the three worlds · I know · O Govinda · O abode of the universe · in You · merged · at dissolution · the universe · You · remain · O Keshava · known as Sesha

This verse initiates the philosophical praise, establishing the Lord as the source and the ultimate remainder (Śeṣa) of all existence.

Just as gold, taking on various names and forms, shines forth, so do You. In the beginning, in the middle, and likewise at the end, though of various forms, You shine forth as one.

upetya nānāvidhanāmarūpaṃ

prakāśate hema yathā tathā tvam |

ādau ca madhye ca tathaivamante

nānāvidho'pyekavidho vibhāsi

उपेत्य · upetya — having taken

नानाविधनामरूपम् · nānāvidhanāmarūpaṃ — various names and forms

प्रकाशते · prakāśate — shines

हेम · hema — gold

यथा · yathā — just as

तथा · tathā — so

त्वम् · tvam — You

आदौ · ādau — in the beginning

मध्ये · madhye — in the middle

अन्ते · ante — at the end

नानाविधः · nānāvidhaḥ — of various forms

एकविधः · ekavidhaḥ — of one form

विभासि · vibhāsi — You shine

यथा हेम नानाविधनामरूपं उपेत्य प्रकाशते, तथा त्वम् आदौ मध्ये अन्ते च नानाविधः अपि एकविधः विभासि।

having taken · various names and forms · shines · gold · just as · so · You · in the beginning · in the middle · at the end · of various forms · of one form · You shine

Using the analogy of gold, this verse explains the non-dual nature of the Lord, who remains one despite the multiplicity of forms in the universe.

Relying on You, who are of this nature, the ultimate reality, the entire universe shines. Without You, this is surely an illusion; from You, indeed, the universe is born and is real.

evaṃvidhaṃ tvāṃ paramārthasatyam

āśritya sarvaṃ bhuvanaṃ vibhāti

tvayā vinā nūnamidaṃ tu mithyā

tvatto hi jātaṃ bhuvanaṃ ca satyam

एवंविधम् · evaṃvidhaṃ — of this nature

त्वाम् · tvāṃ — You

परमार्थसत्यम् · paramārthasatyam — the ultimate reality

आश्रित्य · āśritya — relying on

सर्वम् · sarvaṃ — all

भुवनम् · bhuvanaṃ — the universe

विभाति · vibhāti — shines

त्वया · tvayā — without You

विना · vinā — without

इदम् · idam — this

मिथ्या · mithyā — illusion

त्वत्तः · tvattaḥ — from You

जातम् · jātam — born

सत्यम् · satyam — real

एवंविधं परमार्थसत्यं त्वां आश्रित्य सर्वं भुवनं विभाति। त्वया विना इदं नूनं मिथ्या, त्वत्तः जातं भुवनं च सत्यम्।

of this nature · You · the ultimate reality · relying on · all · the universe · shines · without You · without · this · illusion · from You · born · real

This verse clarifies the ontological status of the world as dependent on the Lord, distinguishing between the illusion of the world and the reality of the Creator.

Logicians, by their own intellect, declare You, the cause, and this universe, the effect, to be a void. But You stand forth as the very witness of the void. Indeed, if the void is perceived, it must be real.

tvāṃ kāraṇaṃ kāryamidaṃ jagacca

śūnyaṃ vadanti svadhiyā hi tarkiṇaḥ |

śūnyasya sākṣyeva virājase tvaṃ

śūnyaṃ ca dṛṣṭaṃ nanu satyameva

त्वां · tvāṃ — You

कारणम् · kāraṇam — the cause

कार्यम् · kāryam — the effect

इदं · idam — this

जगत् · jagat — universe

शून्यम् · śūnyam — void

वदन्ति · vadanti — they declare

स्वधिया · svadhiyā — by their own intellect

तर्किणः · tarkiṇaḥ — logicians

शून्यस्य · śūnyasya — of the void

साक्षी · sākṣī — witness

विराजसे · virājase — You shine forth

तर्किणः स्वधिया त्वां कारणं इदं जगत् च शून्यं वदन्ति। त्वं शून्यस्य साक्षी इव विराजसे। शून्यं च दृष्टं ननु सत्यमेव।

You · the cause · the effect · this · universe · void · they declare · by their own intellect · logicians · of the void · witness · You shine forth

Mārkaṇḍeya refutes the nihilistic view of logicians by asserting that the Lord is the witness of the void, thereby proving that the observer of the void must exist as a reality.

For You, the knower, all is knowable. The establishment of valid knowledge (pramāṇa) comes from You alone. You are unknowable, the supreme reality. As the form of pure consciousness, You shine forth by Yourself.

tava pramāturnikhilaṃ prameyaṃ

pramāṇasiddhiśca bhavettvayaiva |

tvamaprameyo'si paraṃ hi tattvaṃ

prajñānarūpaḥ svayameva bhāsi

तव · tava — for You

प्रमातुः · pramātuḥ — the knower

निखिलम् · nikhilam — everything

प्रमेयम् · prameyam — knowable

प्रमाणसिद्धिः · pramāṇasiddhiḥ — establishment of valid knowledge

त्वयैव · tvayaiva — by You alone

अप्रमेयः · aprameyaḥ — unknowable

परं · paraṃ — supreme

तत्त्वम् · tattvam — reality

प्रज्ञानरूपः · prajñānarūpaḥ — form of pure consciousness

स्वयमेव · svayameva — by Yourself

भासि · bhāsi — You shine

तव प्रमातुः निखिलं प्रमेयं भवति, प्रमाणसिद्धिः च त्वयैव भवेत्। त्वं अप्रमेयः परं तत्त्वं असि। प्रज्ञानरूपः त्वं स्वयमेव भासि।

for You · the knower · everything · knowable · establishment of valid knowledge · by You alone · unknowable · supreme · reality · form of pure consciousness · by Yourself · You shine

The sage establishes that the Lord is the source of all knowledge and the ultimate reality, transcending the limitations of empirical proof.

Yet, the wise, having deliberated with the scriptures and having set aside the world by saying "not this, not this," come to know the supreme inner Self and attain the ultimate, eternal welfare.

vicārya śāstreṇa tathāpi dhīrāḥ

tvāṃ neti netīti jagadvisṛjya

pratyaksvarūpaṃ paramaṃ viditvā

kṣemaṃ paraṃ śāśvatamāpnuvanti

विचार्य · vicārya — having deliberated

शास्त्रेण · śāstreṇa — with the scriptures

धीराः · dhīrāḥ — the wise

नेति · neti — not this

जगद्विसृज्य · jagadvisṛjya — having set aside the world

प्रत्यक्स्वरूपम् · pratyaksvarūpam — the inner Self

विदित्वा · viditvā — having known

क्षेमम् · kṣemam — welfare

शाश्वतम् · śāśvatam — eternal

आप्नुवन्ति · āpnuvanti — they attain

धीराः शास्त्रेण विचार्य, नेति नेति इति जगत् विसृज्य, प्रत्यक्स्वरूपं परमं विदित्वा शाश्वतं क्षेमं आप्नुवन्ति।

having deliberated · with the scriptures · the wise · not this · having set aside the world · the inner Self · having known · welfare · eternal · they attain

This verse outlines the path of Jnana, where the wise negate the transient world to realize the eternal Self within.

You alone are their supreme immortality. By drinking of You alone, they conquer death. I praise You, the one who pervades everything, the infinite, the primal, the one ocean of bliss.

tvameva teṣāmamṛtaṃ paraṃ hi

tvāmeva pītvā'bhijayanti mṛtyum |

sarvatra saṃvyāptamanantamādyaṃ

tvāmekamānandasamudramīḍe

त्वमेव · tvameva — You alone

तेषाम् · teṣām — of them

अमृतम् · amṛtam — immortality

पीत्वा · pītvā — having drunk

अभिजयन्ति · abhijayanti — they conquer

मृत्युम् · mṛtyum — death

सर्वत्र · sarvatra — everywhere

संव्याप्तम् · saṃvyāptam — pervading

अनन्तम् · anantam — infinite

आद्यम् · ādyam — primal

आनन्दसमुद्रम् · ānandasamudram — ocean of bliss

ईडे · īḍe — I praise

त्वं एव तेषां परं अमृतं असि, त्वां एव पीत्वा ते मृत्युं अभिजयन्ति। सर्वत्र संव्याप्तं अनन्तं आद्यं त्वां एकं आनन्दसमुद्रं अहं ईडे।

You alone · of them · immortality · having drunk · they conquer · death · everywhere · pervading · infinite · primal · ocean of bliss · I praise

Mārkaṇḍeya expresses his devotion by identifying the Lord as the only source of immortality and the ocean of bliss.

Through the joyful eagerness of worshipping Your lotus feet, I live for a life spanning countless hundreds of kalpas. Having obtained this, what use is this long life to me in a world full of endless happiness and sorrow, if not for this?

tvatpādapadmabhajanotsavakautukena

jīvāmyanantaśatakalpamitaṃ kilāyuḥ |

labdhvā'pyananta sukhaduḥkhamaye'pi loke

no cedanena mama kiṃ cirajīvitena

त्वत्पादपद्म · tvatpādapadma — Your lotus feet

भजनोत्सवकौतुकेन · bhajanotsavakautukena — with the eagerness of worship

जीवामि · jīvāmi — I live

अनन्तशतकल्पमितम् · anantaśatakalpamitam — spanning countless hundreds of kalpas

आयुः · āyuḥ — life

लब्ध्वा · labdhvā — having obtained

सुखदुःखमये · sukhaduḥkhamaye — full of happiness and sorrow

लोके · loke — in the world

चिरजीवितेन · cirajīvitena — by long life

किम् · kim — what use

त्वत्पादपद्मभजनोत्सवकौतुकेन अहं अनन्तशतकल्पमितं आयुः जीवामि। सुखदुःखमये लोके लब्ध्वा अपि, अनेन चिरजीवितेन मम किं?

Your lotus feet · with the eagerness of worship · I live · spanning countless hundreds of kalpas · life · having obtained · full of happiness and sorrow · in the world · by long life · what use

The sage declares that the only value of his long life is the opportunity to worship the Lord's feet, rendering all other worldly experiences meaningless.

The Sadguru said:

Thus praised, Hari, the Lord of the universe reclining on the banyan leaf, consoled the weary sage Mārkaṇḍeya.

śrīsadgururuvāca

evaṃ stuto jagannātho vaṭapatraśayo hariḥ |

mārkaṇḍeyamuniṃ śrāntaṃ sāntvayāmāsa keśavaḥ

एवम् · evam — thus

स्तुतः · stutaḥ — praised

जगन्नाथः · jagannāthaḥ — Lord of the universe

वटपत्रशयः · vaṭapatraśayaḥ — reclining on a banyan leaf

हरिः · hariḥ — Hari

मार्कण्डेयमुनिम् · mārkaṇḍeyamunim — sage Mārkaṇḍeya

श्रान्तम् · śrāntam — weary

सान्त्वयामास · sāntvayāmāsa — consoled

केशवः · keśavaḥ — Keśava

एवं स्तुतः जगन्नाथः वटपत्रशयः हरिः केशवः श्रान्तं मार्कण्डेयमुनिं सान्त्वयामास।

thus · praised · Lord of the universe · reclining on a banyan leaf · Hari · sage Mārkaṇḍeya · weary · consoled · Keśava

This verse serves as the narrative bridge, showing the Lord's compassionate response to the sage's heartfelt prayer.

In that kṣetra of Dhanvipuram, on a beautiful banyan leaf, Keśava, who was present even during the time of dissolution, is seen even today.

tasmin dhanvipure kṣetre vaṭapatre manohare|

sthitaḥ pralayakāle'pi dṛśyate'dyāpi keśavaḥ

तस्मिन् · tasmin — in that

धन्विपुरे · dhanvipure — in Dhanvipuram

क्षेत्रे · kṣetre — sacred abode

वटपत्रे · vaṭapatre — on the banyan leaf

मनोहरे · manohare — beautiful

स्थितः · sthitaḥ — situated

प्रलयकालेऽपि · pralayakāle'pi — even during dissolution

दृश्यते · dṛśyate — is seen

अद्यापि · adyāpi — even today

तस्मिन् धन्विपुरे क्षेत्रे मनोहरे वटपत्रे स्थितः केशवः प्रलयकाले अपि अद्यापि दृश्यते।

in that · in Dhanvipuram · sacred abode · on the banyan leaf · beautiful · situated · even during dissolution · is seen · even today

The verse confirms the eternal presence of the Lord at Dhanvipuram, establishing it as a site of perpetual divine manifestation.

Those who read this "Glory of the Dhanvipuram Kṣetra" will attain a long life and develop devotion to Keśava.

Here ends the tenth chapter, titled "The Glory of Dhanvipuram," in the Fifth Part of the "Divya Deśa Vaibhavam" composed by Śrī Kṛṣṇapremi Mahāprabhu.

evaṃ dhanvipurakṣetramāhātmyaṃ ye paṭhanti te

dīrghamāyuravāpyaiva bhaktiṃ kurvanti keśave

एवम् · evam — thus

धन्विपुरक्षेत्रमाहात्म्यम् · dhanvipurakṣetramāhātmyam — glory of Dhanvipuram

ये · ye — those who

पठन्ति · paṭhanti — read

ते · te — they

दीर्घम् · dīrgham — long

आयुः · āyuḥ — life

अवाप्य · avāpya — having attained

भक्तिम् · bhaktim — devotion

कुर्वन्ति · kurvanti — they perform

केशवे · keśave — in Keśava

ये एवं धन्विपुरक्षेत्रमाहात्म्यं पठन्ति, ते दीर्घं आयुः अवाप्य केशवे भक्तिं कुर्वन्ति।

thus · glory of Dhanvipuram · those who · read · they · long · life · having attained · devotion · they perform · in Keśava

The chapter concludes with a phala-śruti, promising spiritual and material benefits to those who engage with the glory of this sacred place.