Chapter summary
बृहत्तटाकमाहात्म्यम् Bṛhattaṭāka Māhātmyam
The Glory of Bṛhattāṭaka (The Great Tank)
**Śrī Sadguru spoke:**
On the bank of the great tank, known as Bṛhattāṭaka, within a forest by the shore of the Tamraparni river, there lived a Brahmin named Vedasar. His wife was Kumudvati, and their daughter was Kamalavati. Vedasar was supremely devoted to his own *dharma* and constantly engaged in the *Agnihotra* sacrifice. He was respectfully worshipped with faith by the Brahmins residing in the *agrahara* [a Brahmin village or settlement], known for his compassion towards all beings, self-control, peaceful nature, and mastery over his senses. (v.1-3)
The young girl, Kamalavati, having heard of the glorious deeds of Śrī Krishna directly from her father, desired Him alone and no other mortal man. She was beautiful, delicate, virtuous, fair-faced, auspicious, of noble birth, sweet-smiling, pure, well-behaved, and soft-spoken. Devoted to serving her father and constantly cherished by her mother, the girl was lovingly and respectfully held in high esteem by all her relatives. (v.4-6)
Daily, after bathing in the great tank, she would proceed to the temple of Govinda. There, she would sweep the sacred precincts, draw intricate *rangoli* designs, and meticulously clean the sacred vessels. Gathering various flowers suitable for worship, she would lovingly fashion garlands and offer them to Vishnu with unwavering faith. She spent her days constantly reciting hymns, performing *kirtan* [devotional chanting] of His names, remaining aloof from village gossip, and absorbed in contemplation of Hari. She would listen to the stories of Keshava narrated by the best of Vaishnavas and sing His glories, thus passing her time in devotion. (v.7-10)
Observing the girl's many virtues, numerous suitors came forward to seek her hand. However, with firm resolve, she had fixed her mind solely on Keshava. Seeing his daughter in such a state, the excellent Brahmin, Vedasar, became deeply worried, and with eyes moist with paternal affection, he addressed her. (v.11-12)
**Vedasar spoke:**
"O lotus-eyed girl, you do not understand the ways of the world. O beautiful one, you have now reached the age suitable for union with a husband. Look, all your friends and fellow maidens are married. You alone are always engaged in such singular devotion to Keshava." (v.13-14)
"Devotion to Keshava should be practiced in accordance with both worldly and Vedic norms. By the word of Manu himself, a woman does not deserve independence. Therefore, once married, you should perform service to Keshava day by day along with your husband. This, my child, is the eternal *dharma*." (v.15-16)
**Kamalavati spoke:**
"O best of Brahmins, you are my father and are completely venerable to me. Your words are righteous, just, and true; of this, there is no doubt. But in my heart, only Krishna shines eternally. There is no place for another; I speak the truth, the very truth." (v.17-18)
"Alas, my mind finds no delight in worldly matters. What would be the fruit of giving me to someone? What happiness could I possibly bring to anyone? By some means or other, with devotion, I shall attain the Supreme Person, Krishna Himself, for He is easily attainable by His devotees." (v.19-20)
**Śrī Sadguru spoke:**
Addressed thus by his own daughter, the Brahmin was astonished. He became consumed with worry, pondering, "What will become of her?" The girl, suffering from separation from Krishna, was constantly crying, her body frail. She appeared averse and disinterested in sleep, food, and recreation. Her parents were sorrowful, while her relatives and other people mocked her for transgressing social conventions in her devotion to Krishna. (v.21-23)
Once, a certain magician, an excellent actor, arrived. Singing and dancing, he performed a divine play (*līlā*) that charmed all the young people. Always surrounded by boys and girls, he, having the form of Śyāmasundar [the dark and beautiful one, referring to Krishna], performed various dramas. The handsome actor lived there for some days, and everyone developed affection and trust in him. (v.24-26)
One evening, the maiden Kamalavati was going to the great tank with her friends to fetch water. Seeing her, the handsome actor, who was a magical thief, approached her with affection, eager for loving conversation, and suddenly carried her away. (v.27-28)
Those maidens quickly returned and recounted the story to the village. The Brahmins, with staffs in their hands, pursued the thief. He entered the local temple with Kamalavati, and the Brahmins also entered. There, he disappeared along with her. (v.29-30)
The excellent Brahmins then saw that bridegroom, who had enacted the role of a thief, and the maiden Kamalavati, in the form of the *archa-vigraha* [the temple deity]. They were filled with supreme wonder. Understanding this to be the *līlā* of the Discus-Bearer (Vishnu), they praised Kamalavati's devotion and the good fortune of the Brahmin. (v.31-32)
This is the most auspicious sacred place of Krishna, who enacted the role of a thief. For those people who see it with devotion, auspiciousness shall surely befall them. (v.33)
Thus the fifteenth chapter, named "The Glory of Bṛhattāṭaka," in the Fifth Part of the "Divyadeśavaibhavam" composed by Śrī Kṛṣṇapremi Mahāprabhu.
