महेन्द्रगिरिमाहात्म्यम् Mahendra Giri Māhātmyam

The Sadguru said:

Lord Vishnu, in his form as Varaha (the Boar), desiring to sport with his beloved Dharani (the Earth goddess), ascended the great mountain Mahendra.

śrīsadgururuvāca

varāha bhagavān viṣṇurdharaṇyā priyayā saha |

vihartukāmo māhendramāruroha mahāgirim

श्रीसद्गुरुः · śrīsadguruḥ — the revered guru

उवाच · uvāca — said

वराहः · varāhaḥ — the boar-incarnation

भगवान् · bhagavān — the Lord

विष्णुः · viṣṇuḥ — Vishnu

धरण्या · dharaṇyā — with the Earth

प्रियया · priyayā — with his beloved

सह · saha — together

विहर्तुकामः · vihartukāmaḥ — desiring to sport

माहेन्द्रम् · māhendram — Mahendra mountain

आरुरोह · āruroha — ascended

महागिरिम् · mahāgirim — the great mountain

भगवान् वराहः विष्णुः प्रियया धरण्या सह विहर्तुकामः सन् माहेन्द्रं महागिरिम् आरुरोह।

the revered guru · said · the boar-incarnation · the Lord · Vishnu · with the Earth · with his beloved · together · desiring to sport · Mahendra mountain · ascended · the great mountain

This verse introduces the setting of the chapter, establishing the divine descent of Varaha onto the Mahendra mountain to initiate the discourse on salvation. It sets the pastoral and majestic tone for the subsequent theological dialogue.

It was dense with various trees, fragrant with many kinds of flowers, charmingly dark with green meadows, and delightful with flocks of birds.

**3. It was cooled by cold streams, frequented by herds of deer, filled with the music of Kinnara troupes, and attended by celestial women.

nānāvṛkṣasamākīrṇaṃ nānāpuṣpasugandhitam |

śādvalaśyāmalaṃ ramyaṃ pakṣijālakutūhalam

नाना · nānā — various

वृक्ष · vṛkṣa — trees

समाकीर्णम् · samākīrṇam — dense with

नाना · nānā — various

पुष्प · puṣpa — flowers

सुगन्धितम् · sugandhitam — fragrant with

शाद्वल · śādvala — meadows

श्यामलं · śyāmalam — dark green

रम्यम् · ramyam — charming

पक्षि · pakṣi — birds

जाल · jāla — flocks

कुतूहलम् · kutūhalam — delightful

तत् नाना वृक्षैः समाकीर्णं नाना पुष्पैः सुगन्धितं शाद्वलैः श्यामलं रम्यं पक्षिजालानां कुतूहलेन युक्तं च आसीत्।

various · trees · dense with · various · flowers · fragrant with · meadows · dark green · charming · birds · flocks · delightful

This verse describes the natural beauty of the Mahendra mountain, emphasizing its suitability as a divine retreat for the Lord and His consort. It creates a vivid backdrop for the intimate setting of the following verses.

śītaprasravasusnigdhaṃ hariṇīgaṇasevitam |

kinnarīgaṇasaṅgītaṃ devanārīniṣevitam

शीत · śīta — cool

प्रस्रव · prasrava — streams

सुस्निग्धम् · susnigdham — refreshing

हरिणी · hariṇī — deer

गण · gaṇa — herds

सेवितम् · sevitam — frequented by

किन्नरी · kinnarī — Kinnara

गण · gaṇa — troupes

सङ्गीतम् · saṅgītam — music

देवनारी · devanārī — celestial women

निषेवितम् · niṣevitam — attended by

तत् शीतप्रस्रवैः सुस्निग्धं हरिणीगणसेवितं किन्नरीगणसङ्गीतं देवनारीनिषेवितं च आसीत्।

cool · streams · refreshing · deer · herds · frequented by · Kinnara · troupes · music · celestial women · attended by

This verse completes the description of the mountain's environment, highlighting the presence of celestial beings and natural serenity. It establishes the mountain as a sacred space where the divine can manifest comfortably.

Gazing upon the Mahendra mountain and wandering here and there, He mentally created a sacred hermitage surrounded by Kutaja trees.

māhendraṃ girimālokya sañcaraṃśca tatastataḥ |

nirmame manasā puṇyamuṭajaṃ kuṭajāvṛtam

माहेन्द्रं · māhendraṃ — Mahendra

गिरिम् · girim — mountain

आलोक्य · ālokya — gazing upon

सञ्चरन् · sañcaran — wandering

च · ca — and

ततः · tataḥ — here

ततः · tataḥ — there

निर्ममे · nirmame — created

मनसा · manasā — mentally

पुण्यम् · puṇyam — sacred

उटजम् · uṭajam — hermitage

कुटज · kuṭaja — Kutaja trees

आवृतम् · āvṛtam — encircled by

माहेन्द्रं गिरिम् आलोक्य ततः ततः सञ्चरन् सः मनसा कुटजावृतं पुण्यम् उटजं निर्ममे।

Mahendra · mountain · gazing upon · wandering · and · here · there · created · mentally · sacred · hermitage · Kutaja trees · encircled by

This verse marks the transition from the general description of the mountain to the specific divine activity of the Lord. It shows the Lord's creative power, as He fashions a hermitage for His divine pastimes.

There, the lotus-petal-eyed one, the beautiful-formed one, sat down with His beloved Kshama (the patient Earth) to engage in loving conversation.

tatra padmapalāśākṣaḥ kṣamayā priyayā saha

nyaṣīdat premasallāpaṃ kartuṃ sundaravigrahaḥ

तत्र · tatra — there

पद्म · padma — lotus

पलाश · palāśa — petal

अक्षः · akṣaḥ — eyed

क्षमया · kṣamayā — with Kshama (Earth)

प्रियया · priyayā — with beloved

सह · saha — together

न्यषीदत् · nyaṣīdat — sat down

प्रेम · prema — loving

सल्लापम् · sallāpam — conversation

कर्तुम् · kartum — to do

सुन्दर · sundara — beautiful

विग्रहः · vigrahaḥ — form

तत्र पद्मपलाशाक्षः सुन्दरविग्रहः सः प्रेमसल्लापं कर्तुं क्षमया प्रियया सह न्यषीदत्।

there · lotus · petal · eyed · with Kshama (Earth) · with beloved · together · sat down · loving · conversation · to do · beautiful · form

This verse depicts the intimate union of the Lord and the Earth, setting the stage for the serious theological inquiry that follows. It emphasizes the Lord's beauty and the tender nature of their relationship.

Placing her on His lap and supporting her with His hand, the dark and beautiful one joyfully smelled her head and kissed her.

aṅke nidhāya bhūmiṃ tāmavalambya kareṇa ca |

mūrdhnyupāghrāya sānandaṃ cucumba śyāmasundaraḥ

अङ्के · aṅke — on the lap

निधाय · nidhāya — placing

भूमिम् · bhūmim — the Earth

ताम् · tām — her

अवलम्ब्य · avalambya — supporting

करेण · kareṇa — with hand

च · ca — and

मूर्ध्न्युपाघ्राय · mūrdhnyupāghrāya — smelling her head

सानन्दम् · sānandam — joyfully

चुचुम्ब · cucumba — kissed

श्यामसुन्दरः · śyāmasundaraḥ — the dark beautiful Lord

श्यामसुन्दरः भूमिं अङ्के निधाय करेण च तां अवलम्ब्य मूर्ध्न्युपाघ्राय सानन्दं चुचुम्ब।

on the lap · placing · the Earth · her · supporting · with hand · and · smelling her head · joyfully · kissed · the dark beautiful Lord

This verse illustrates the deep affection between the Lord and the Earth, grounding the subsequent discussion of salvation in the context of divine love and compassion. It highlights the Lord's protective and loving nature.

She who was submerged in the ocean of cosmic dissolution was lifted up by Varaha, in order to bring about the deliverance of people submerged in the ocean of worldly existence.

pralayārṇavamagnā sā varāheṇa samuddhṛtā

saṃsārārṇavamagnānāṃ kartumuddhāraṇaṃ nṛṇām

प्रलय · pralaya — dissolution

अर्णव · arṇava — ocean

मग्ना · magnā — submerged

सा · sā — she

वराहेण · varāheṇa — by Varaha

समुद्धृता · samuddhṛtā — lifted up

संसार · saṃsāra — worldly

अर्णव · arṇava — ocean

मग्नानाम् · magnānām — of those submerged

कर्तुम् · kartum — to do

उद्धारणम् · uddhāraṇam — deliverance

नृणाम् · nṛṇām — of people

प्रलयार्णवमग्ना सा वराहेण समुद्धृता, संसारार्णवमग्नानां नृणाम् उद्धारणं कर्तुं च (सा तत्प्रार्थयति)।

dissolution · ocean · submerged · she · by Varaha · lifted up · worldly · ocean · of those submerged · to do · deliverance · of people

This verse provides the historical and theological context for the Earth's question, reminding the reader of her past deliverance and her current concern for all suffering beings. It establishes her role as a compassionate intercessor.

Having made a firm resolve in her heart, Vasundhara (the Earth), out of sheer compassion, questioned her husband Vishnu, who is ever-affectionate to those who take refuge in Him.

hṛdaye niścayaṃ kṛtvā kṛpayaiva vasundharā

papraccha svapatiṃ viṣṇuṃ śaraṇāgatavatsalam

हृदये · hṛdaye — in heart

निश्चयम् · niścayam — resolve

कृत्वा · kṛtvā — having made

कृपया · kṛpaya — out of compassion

एव · eva — only

वसुन्धरा · vasundharā — the Earth

पप्रच्छ · papraccha — asked

स्वपतिम् · svapatim — her husband

विष्णुम् · viṣṇum — Vishnu

शरणागत · śaraṇāgata — to those who take refuge

वत्सलम् · vatsalam — affectionate

वसुन्धरा हृदये निश्चयं कृत्वा कृपया एव शरणागतवत्सलं स्वपतिं विष्णुं पप्रच्छ।

in heart · resolve · having made · out of compassion · only · the Earth · asked · her husband · Vishnu · to those who take refuge · affectionate

This verse describes the Earth's initiative to seek the Lord's guidance, emphasizing her compassion for humanity. It sets the stage for the dialogue on the path to liberation.

Bhumi (the Earth) said:

O Keshava, affectionate to devotees, please tell me out of your mercy how the deliverance of beings submerged in the ocean of worldly existence can be achieved.

bhūmiruvāca

saṃsārārṇavamagnānāṃ jīvānāṃ bhaktavatsala |

kathaṃ bhaveduddharaṇaṃ kṛpayā vada keśava

संसार · saṃsāra — worldly

अर्णव · arṇava — ocean

मग्नानाम् · magnānām — of those submerged

जीवानाम् · jīvānām — of beings

भक्त · bhakta — devotee

वत्सल · vatsala — affectionate

कथम् · katham — how

भवेत् · bhavet — can be

उद्धारणम् · uddharaṇam — deliverance

कृपया · kṛpayā — out of mercy

वद · vada — tell

केशव · keśava — O Keshava

हे भक्तवत्सल केशव! संसारार्णवमग्नानां जीवानां उद्धारणं कथं भवेत् इति कृपया वद।

worldly · ocean · of those submerged · of beings · devotee · affectionate · how · can be · deliverance · out of mercy · tell · O Keshava

This verse contains the Earth's direct plea to the Lord, highlighting the plight of suffering beings and the necessity of His mercy. It serves as the catalyst for the Lord's exposition on the efficacy of the Holy Name.

For those submerged in this world, afflicted in many ways and deluded by ignorance, there is no other resort but You.

tvāṃ vinā bhavamagnānāṃ nāstyeva gatiranyathā |

duḥkhitānāṃ ca bahudhā mohitānāmavidyayā

त्वाम् · tvām — You

विना · vinā — without

भव · bhava — worldly existence

मग्नानाम् · magnānām — of those submerged

न · na — not

अस्ति · asti — is

एव · eva — indeed

गतिः · gatiḥ — refuge

अन्यथा · anyathā — otherwise

दुःखितानाम् · duḥkhitānām — of the afflicted

च · ca — and

बहुधा · bahudhā — in many ways

मोहितानाम् · mohitānām — of the deluded

अविद्यया · avidyayā — by ignorance

अविद्यया बहुधा मोहितानां दुःखितानां च भवमग्नानां त्वां विना अन्या गतिः नास्त्येव।

You · without · worldly existence · of those submerged · not · is · indeed · refuge · otherwise · of the afflicted · and · in many ways · of the deluded · by ignorance

This verse reinforces the Earth's plea by emphasizing the total dependence of suffering beings on the Lord. It underscores the hopelessness of those trapped in ignorance and the unique role of the Lord as the only refuge.

The Lord said:

He who remembers Me daily, chanting "Krishna, Krishna, Krishna," I lift him up from hell, just as a lotus breaks through the water.

śrībhagavānuvāca

kṛṣṇa kṛṣṇeti kṛṣṇeti yo māṃ smarati nityaśaḥ |

jalaṃ bhitvā yathā padmaṃ narakāduddharāmyaham

कृष्ण · kṛṣṇa — O Krishna

कृष्ण · kṛṣṇa — O Krishna

इति · iti — thus

यः · yaḥ — he who

माम् · mām — Me

स्मरति · smarati — remembers

नित्यशः · nityaśaḥ — daily

जलं · jalaṃ — water

भित्वा · bhitvā — having broken through

यथा · yathā — just as

पद्मं · padmaṃ — a lotus

नरकात् · narakāt — from hell

उद्धरामि · uddharāmi — I lift up

अहम् · aham — I

यः कृष्ण कृष्ण इति कृष्ण इति नित्यशः मां स्मरति, जलं भित्वा पद्मं यथा, तं नरकात् अहं उद्धरामि।

O Krishna · O Krishna · thus · he who · Me · remembers · daily · water · having broken through · just as · a lotus · from hell · I lift up · I

The Lord establishes the efficacy of the Holy Name as the primary means of salvation. This verse serves as the core theological foundation for the entire chapter's narrative regarding the power of devotion.

For those submerged in the well of worldly existence, there is indeed no other way to get out in this world besides chanting My name.

saṃsārakūpamagnānāṃ vinā mannāmakīrtanam|

nānyā gatirvidyate hi bahirgantuṃ nṛṇāmiha

संसारकूपमग्नानां · saṃsārakūpamagnānāṃ — of those submerged in the well of worldly existence

विना · vinā — without

मन्नामकीर्तनम् · mannāmakīrtanam — the chanting of My name

न · na — not

अन्या · anyā — other

गतिः · gatiḥ — path/refuge

विद्यते · vidyate — exists

हि · hi — indeed

बहिर्गन्तुं · bahirgantuṃ — to go out

नृणाम् · nṛṇām — for men

इह · iha — in this world

संसारकूपमग्नानां नृणाम् इह बहिर्गन्तुं मन्नामकीर्तनं विना अन्या गतिः न विद्यते हि।

of those submerged in the well of worldly existence · without · the chanting of My name · not · other · path/refuge · exists · indeed · to go out · for men · in this world

The Lord emphasizes the helplessness of the soul in the material world, positioning the chanting of His name as the only viable exit strategy.

There is no restriction of place or time, nor any restriction of caste; the chanting of My name is prescribed for all people as the destroyer of sins.

na deśakālaniyamo na jātiniyamastathā|

mannāmakīrtanaṃ nṛṇāṃ vihitaṃ pāpanāśanam

न · na — no

देशकालनियमः · deśakālaniyamo — restriction of place or time

न · na — no

जातिनियमः · jātiniyamastathā — restriction of caste

मन्नामकीर्तनं · mannāmakīrtanaṃ — chanting of My name

नृणाम् · nṛṇāṃ — for people

विहितं · vihitaṃ — prescribed

पापनाशनम् · pāpanāśanam — destroyer of sins

न देशकालनियमः, तथा न जातिनियमः। नृणां मन्नामकीर्तनं पापनाशनं विहितम्।

no · restriction of place or time · no · restriction of caste · chanting of My name · for people · prescribed · destroyer of sins

This verse democratizes the path of devotion, removing social and temporal barriers to ensure that the Holy Name is accessible to everyone.

Even a Chandala or a Kirata, by chanting My name, is certainly worshipped by sages and purifies the three worlds.

caṇḍālo'pi kirāto'pi kṛtvā mannāmakīrtanam |

pūjito munibhirnūnaṃ punāti bhuvanatrayam

चण्डालोऽपि · caṇḍālo'pi — even a Chandala

किरातोऽपि · kirāto'pi — even a Kirata

कृत्वा · kṛtvā — having done

मन्नामकीर्तनम् · mannāmakīrtanam — chanting of My name

पूजितो · pūjito — worshipped

मुनिभिः · munibhirnūnaṃ — by sages indeed

पुनाति · punāti — purifies

भुवनत्रयम् · bhuvanatrayam — the three worlds

चण्डालः अपि किरातः अपि मन्नामकीर्तनं कृत्वा मुनिभिः पूजितः सन् भुवनत्रयं पुनाति नूनम्।

even a Chandala · even a Kirata · having done · chanting of My name · worshipped · by sages indeed · purifies · the three worlds

The Lord provides concrete examples of the transformative power of the Name, showing that even those considered low-born can become purifiers of the world.

Those devoted to sacrifices may falter, and ascetics may also falter, but by merely chanting the Name, they never falter.

skhalanti yajñaśīlāśca skhalanti ca tapasvinaḥ |

nāmakīrtanamātreṇa na skhalanti kadācana

स्खलन्ति · skhalanti — falter

यज्ञशीलाः · yajñaśīlāśca — those devoted to sacrifices

स्खलन्ति · skhalanti — falter

च · ca — and

तपस्विनः · tapasvinaḥ — ascetics

नामकीर्तनमात्रेण · nāmakīrtanamātreṇa — merely by chanting the name

न · na — not

स्खलन्ति · skhalanti — falter

कदाचन · kadācana — ever

यज्ञशीलाः स्खलन्ति, तपस्विनः च स्खलन्ति। नामकीर्तनमात्रेण कदाचन न स्खलन्ति।

falter · those devoted to sacrifices · falter · and · ascetics · merely by chanting the name · not · falter · ever

This verse contrasts the fragility of ritualistic and ascetic paths with the absolute security provided by the chanting of the Holy Name.

In former times, there was a great-souled Chandala named Matanga. He was true to his word, firm in his intellect, and always fond of chanting My glories.

mātaṅgo nāma caṇḍālaḥ pūrvamāsīnmahāmanāḥ |

satyasandho dṛḍhaprajño nityaṃ matkīrtanapriyaḥ

मातङ्गो · mātaṅgo — Matanga

नाम · nāma — named

चण्डालः · caṇḍālaḥ — a Chandala

पूर्वम् · pūrvam — formerly

आसीत् · āsīn — was

महामनाः · mahāmanāḥ — great-souled

सत्यसन्धः · satyasandho — true to his word

दृढप्रज्ञः · dṛḍhaprajño — firm in intellect

नित्यं · nityaṃ — always

मत्कीर्तनप्रियः · matkīrtanapriyaḥ — fond of chanting My glories

पूर्वं मातङ्गः नाम चण्डालः महामनाः आसीत्। सः सत्यसन्धः दृढप्रज्ञः नित्यं मत्कीर्तनप्रियः च आसीत्।

Matanga · named · a Chandala · formerly · was · great-souled · true to his word · firm in intellect · always · fond of chanting My glories

The introduction of Matanga serves as the narrative proof of the Lord's previous claims, illustrating the ideal life of a devotee.

Bathing in the morning with faith and chanting My names, he would wear the Urdhva Pundra and a Tulasi bead necklace with devotion.

prātaḥ snātvā śraddhayaiva mama nāmāni kīrtayan |

ūrdhvapuṇḍradharo bhaktyā tulasīmaṇimālikaḥ

प्रातः · prātaḥ — in the morning

स्नात्वा · snātvā — having bathed

श्रद्धया · śraddhayaiva — with faith alone

मम · mama — My

नामानि · nāmāni — names

कीर्तयन् · kīrtayan — chanting

ऊर्ध्वपुण्ड्रधरः · ūrdhvapuṇḍradharo — wearing the Urdhva Pundra

भक्त्या · bhaktyā — with devotion

तुलसीमणिमालिकः · tulasīmaṇimālikaḥ — wearing a Tulasi bead necklace

प्रातः स्नात्वा श्रद्धया एव मम नामानि कीर्तयन्, भक्त्या ऊर्ध्वपुण्ड्रधरः तुलसीमणिमालिकः च सः आसीत्।

in the morning · having bathed · with faith alone · My · names · chanting · wearing the Urdhva Pundra · with devotion · wearing a Tulasi bead necklace

This verse details the daily devotional practices of Matanga, establishing the external markers and internal discipline of a sincere Vaishnava.

Taking a veena in his hand, his eyes moist with tears of love, he would play the Kaishika raga and sing day after day.

vīṇāmādāya hastena bāṣpasnigdhavilocanaḥ

vādayan kaiśikaṃ rāgaṃ gāyati sma dine dine

वीणामादाय · vīṇāmādāya — having taken the veena

हस्तेन · hastena — in his hand

बाष्पस्निग्धविलोचनः · bāṣpasnigdhavilocanaḥ — eyes moist with tears of love

वादयन् · vādayan — playing

कैशिकं · kaiśikaṃ — the Kaishika raga

रागं · rāgaṃ — raga

गायति · gāyati — he would sing

स्म · sma — past tense marker

दिने · dine — day

दिने · dine — day

हस्तेन वीणां आदाय, बाष्पस्निग्धविलोचनः सन्, कैशिकं रागं वादयन् दिने दिने गायति स्म।

having taken the veena · in his hand · eyes moist with tears of love · playing · the Kaishika raga · raga · he would sing · past tense marker · day · day

The emotional depth of Matanga's devotion is highlighted here, showing that his singing is not merely mechanical but filled with divine love.

Pleased by his singing, I would open My eyes wide and bestow My grace, along with Shri and you.

tasya gānena santuṣṭo vikacayya vilocanam |

anugrahamahaṃ kuryāṃ śriyā sārdhaṃ tvayā saha

तस्य · tasya — his

गानेन · gānena — by the singing

सन्तुष्टो · santuṣṭo — pleased

विकचय्य · vikacayya — having opened wide

विलोचनम् · vilocanam — eyes

अनुग्रहम् · anugrahamahaṃ — grace I

कुर्यां · kuryāṃ — would bestow

श्रिया · śriyā — with Shri/Lakshmi

सार्धं · sārdhaṃ — along with

त्वया · tvayā — you

सह · saha — together

तस्य गानेन सन्तुष्टः अहं विलोचनं विकचय्य, श्रिया त्वया सह सार्धं अनुग्रहं कुर्याम्।

his · by the singing · pleased · having opened wide · eyes · grace I · would bestow · with Shri/Lakshmi · along with · you · together

The Lord reveals His personal response to Matanga's devotion, confirming that the devotee's song directly captures the heart of the Divine.

Once, in the auspicious month of Kartika, during the bright fortnight, on the Ekadashi day, this Vaishnava was observing a fast.

kadācit kārtike māse śuklapakṣe śubhaṅkare |

ekādaśyāṃ vaiṣṇavo'yamupavāsaparāyaṇaḥ

कदाचित् · kadācit — once

कार्तिके · kārtike — in the month of Kartika

मासे · māse — in the month

शुक्लपक्षे · śuklapakṣe — in the bright fortnight

शुभङ्करे · śubhaṅkare — auspicious

एकादश्यां · ekādaśyāṃ — on Ekadashi

वैष्णवोऽयम् · vaiṣṇavo'yam — this Vaishnava

उपवासपरायणः · upavāsaparāyaṇaḥ — devoted to fasting

कदाचित् कार्तिके मासे शुक्लपक्षे शुभङ्करे, एकादश्यां अयम् वैष्णवः उपवासपरायणः आसीत्।

once · in the month of Kartika · in the month · in the bright fortnight · auspicious · on Ekadashi · this Vaishnava · devoted to fasting

This verse sets the stage for the climactic test of Matanga's character, placing his devotion within the context of a sacred time and vow.

Keeping a vigil at night and performing My kirtan, he set out in the morning to awaken Me at My temple.

kṛtvā jāgaraṇaṃ rātrau mama kīrtanamācaran|

prātaḥ prabodhanaṃ kartuṃ pratasthe mama mandiram

कृत्वा · kṛtvā — having done

जागरणम् · jāgaraṇam — vigil

रात्रौ · rātrau — at night

मम · mama — My

कीर्तनम् · kīrtanam — devotional singing

आचरन् · ācaran — performing

प्रातः · prātaḥ — in the morning

प्रबोधनम् · prabodhanam — awakening

कर्तुम् · kartum — to do

प्रतस्थे · pratasthe — set out

मन्दिरम् · mandiram — temple

रात्रौ जागरणं कृत्वा मम कीर्तनम् आचरन् सः प्रातः प्रबोधनं कर्तुं मम मन्दिरं प्रतस्थे।

having done · vigil · at night · My · devotional singing · performing · in the morning · awakening · to do · set out · temple

This verse establishes the intense devotional discipline of Mātaṅga, showing that his service to the Lord was not merely occasional but a structured, daily commitment that defined his life.

On the way, a Brahma-rakshasa seized Matanga. He tried to free himself by making many vows.

mārgamadhye tu mātaṅgamagrahīdbrahmarākṣasaḥ |

mocayannātmanātmānaṃ kṛtvaiva śapathaṃ bahu

मार्गमध्ये · mārgamadhye — on the way

तु · tu — then

मातङ्गम् · mātaṅgam — Matanga

अग्रहीत् · agrahīt — seized

ब्रह्मराक्षसः · brahmarākṣasaḥ — a Brahma-rakshasa

मोचयन् · mocayan — freeing

आत्मना · ātmanā — by himself

आत्मानम् · ātmānam — himself

कृत्वा · kṛtvā — having made

एव · eva — indeed

शपथम् · śapatham — vow

बहु · bahu — many

मार्गमध्ये तु ब्रह्मराक्षसः मातङ्गम् अग्रहीत्। सः बहु शपथं कृत्वा एव आत्मानं मोचयन्।

on the way · then · Matanga · seized · a Brahma-rakshasa · freeing · by himself · himself · having made · indeed · vow · many

The encounter with the Brahma-rākṣasa serves as a test of Mātaṅga's integrity and his adherence to the vows he made, highlighting the moral weight of a true devotee's word.

Though detained by me (the rakshasa), Matanga, speaking lovingly, went to My temple, performed My kirtan, and then, true to his word, returned to that fearsome Brahma-rakshasa.

mayā ruddho'pi mātaṅgaḥ premabhāṣaṇapūrvakam |

manmandiramupāgatya kṛtvā matkīrtanaṃ tathā|

satyasandhaḥ punaḥ prāpa taṃ ghoraṃ brahmarākṣasam

मया · mayā — by me

रुद्धः · ruddhaḥ — detained

अपि · api — even

मातङ्गः · mātaṅgaḥ — Matanga

प्रेमभाषणपूर्वकम् · premabhāṣaṇapūrvakam — with loving speech

मन्मन्दिरम् · manmandiram — My temple

उपागत्य · upāgatya — having reached

कृत्वा · kṛtvā — having done

मत्कीर्तनम् · matkīrtanam — My kirtan

सत्यसन्धः · satyasandhaḥ — truth-bound

पुनः · punaḥ — again

प्राप · prāpa — reached

घोरम् · ghoram — fearsome

मया रुद्धः अपि मातङ्गः प्रेमभाषणपूर्वकं मन्मन्दिरम् उपागत्य मत्कीर्तनं कृत्वा, सत्यसन्धः सन् पुनः तं घोरं ब्रह्मराक्षसं प्राप।

by me · detained · even · Matanga · with loving speech · My temple · having reached · having done · My kirtan · truth-bound · again · reached · fearsome

This verse emphasizes the 'Satyasandha' (truth-bound) nature of the devotee, demonstrating that his devotion to the Lord enables him to fulfill his worldly obligations even in the face of death.

Seeing that truthful Vaishnava, the Brahma-rakshasa, after telling his own story, took refuge in Matanga.

satyasandhaṃ vaiṣṇavaṃ taṃ vilokya brahmarākṣasaḥ|

svayamuktvā svacāritraṃ mātaṅgaṃ śaraṇaṃ yayau

सत्यसन्धम् · satyasandham — truth-bound

वैष्णवम् · vaiṣṇavam — devotee of Vishnu

तं · tam — him

विलोक्य · vilokya — having seen

ब्रह्मराक्षसः · brahmarākṣasaḥ — the Brahma-rakshasa

स्वयम् · svayam — himself

उक्त्वा · uktvā — having told

स्वचारित्रम् · svacāritram — his own story

मातङ्गम् · mātaṅgam — to Matanga

शरणम् · śaraṇam — refuge

ययौ · yayau — went

सत्यसन्धं तं वैष्णवं विलोक्य ब्रह्मराक्षसः स्वचारित्रं स्वयम् उक्त्वा मातङ्गं शरणं ययौ।

truth-bound · devotee of Vishnu · him · having seen · the Brahma-rakshasa · himself · having told · his own story · to Matanga · refuge · went

The transformation of the Brahma-rākṣasa from a predator to a seeker of refuge illustrates the purifying power of witnessing a true Vaiṣṇava's character.

The Brahma-rakshasa said:

O great-minded one, I was a brahmin known as Somasharma. Due to a flaw in my performance of a sacrifice, I became a Brahma-rakshasa.

brahmarākṣasa uvāca

somaśarmeti vikhyāto brāhmaṇo'haṃ mahāmate |

yajñaskhalanadoṣeṇa bhūto'haṃ brahmarākṣasaḥ

सोमशर्मा · somaśarmā — Somasharma

इति · iti — thus

विख्यातः · vikhyātaḥ — known

ब्राह्मणः · brāhmaṇaḥ — brahmin

अहम् · aham — I

महामते · mahāmate — O great-minded one

यज्ञस्खलनदोषेण · yajñaskhalanadoṣeṇa — by the fault of sacrifice-flaw

भूतः · bhūtaḥ — became

ब्रह्मराक्षसः · brahmarākṣasaḥ — Brahma-rakshasa

महामते! अहं सोमशर्मा इति विख्यातः ब्राह्मणः। यज्ञस्खलनदोषेण अहं ब्रह्मराक्षसः भूतः।

Somasharma · thus · known · brahmin · I · O great-minded one · by the fault of sacrifice-flaw · became · Brahma-rakshasa

The Brahma-rākṣasa identifies himself to establish his history, showing that even those who have fallen due to ritual errors can find redemption through the association of a devotee.

O ocean of mercy, please deliver me by giving me the fruit of the chanting of Hari's name that you performed during the night of Ekadashi.

ekādaśyāṃ harernāma kīrtitaṃ yattvayā niśi|

mahyaṃ datvā tatphalaṃ tvaṃ māmuddhara kṛpānidhe

एकादश्याम् · ekādaśyām — on Ekadashi

हरेः · hareḥ — of Hari

नाम · nāma — name

कीर्तितम् · kīrtitam — chanted

यत् · yat — which

त्वया · tvayā — by you

निशि · niśi — at night

मह्यम् · mahyam — to me

दत्वा · datvā — having given

तत्फलम् · tatphalam — that fruit

त्वम् · tvam — you

माम् · mām — me

उद्धर · uddhara — deliver

कृपानिधे · kṛpānidhe — O ocean of mercy

त्वया एकादश्यां निशि यत् हरेः नाम कीर्तितं, तत्फलं मह्यं दत्वा हे कृपानिधे! त्वं मां उद्धर।

on Ekadashi · of Hari · name · chanted · which · by you · at night · to me · having given · that fruit · you · me · deliver · O ocean of mercy

This verse highlights the efficacy of the merit earned through devotional service (kīrtana) as a tangible currency that can be shared to liberate others.

I take refuge in you, a Vaishnava, a refuge for the helpless and a friend to the distressed. O purifier of the three worlds, please sanctify me by the gift of your merit.

śaraṇyaṃ śaraṇaṃ yāmi vaiṣṇavaṃ dīnavatsalam|

punīhi puṇyadānena bhuvanatrayapāvana

शरण्यम् · śaraṇyam — worthy of refuge

शरणम् · śaraṇam — refuge

यामि · yāmi — I go to

वैष्णवम् · vaiṣṇavam — Vaishnava

दीनवत्सलम् · dīnavatsalam — affectionate to the distressed

पुनीहि · punīhi — purify

पुण्यदानेन · puṇyadānena — by the gift of merit

भुवनत्रयपावन · bhuvanatrayapāvana — O purifier of the three worlds

शरण्यं दीनवत्सलं त्वां वैष्णवं शरणं यामि। हे भुवनत्रयपावन! पुण्यदानेन मां पुनीहि।

worthy of refuge · refuge · I go to · Vaishnava · affectionate to the distressed · purify · by the gift of merit · O purifier of the three worlds

The Brahma-rākṣasa's plea underscores the status of a Vaiṣṇava as a 'refuge for the helpless', emphasizing that the grace of the devotee is as potent as the grace of the Lord.

The Lord said:

My devotee Matanga, seeing the Brahma-rakshasa who had surrendered to him, out of compassion immediately gave him a small portion of the fruit of his singing.

śrībhagavānuvāca

mama bhaktastu mātaṅgaḥ prapannaṃ brahmarākṣasam

vilokya kṛpayā sadyo kiñcidgānaphalaṃ dadau

मम · mama — My

भक्तः · bhaktaḥ — devotee

तु · tu — indeed

मातङ्गः · mātaṅgaḥ — Matanga

प्रपन्नम् · prapannam — surrendered

ब्रह्मराक्षसम् · brahmarākṣasam — Brahma-rakshasa

विलोक्य · vilokya — having seen

कृपया · kṛpayā — with compassion

सद्यः · sadyaḥ — immediately

किञ्चित् · kiñcit — a little

गानफलम् · gānaphalam — fruit of singing

ददौ · dadau — gave

मम भक्तः मातङ्गः प्रपन्नं ब्रह्मराक्षसं विलोक्य कृपया सद्यः किञ्चित् गानफलं ददौ।

My · devotee · indeed · Matanga · surrendered · Brahma-rakshasa · having seen · with compassion · immediately · a little · fruit of singing · gave

This verse demonstrates the Lord's approval of His devotee's compassion, confirming that the devotee acts as a conduit for the Lord's own mercy.

By the power of My kirtan and by the sight of My devotee, the Brahma-rakshasa was freed from the sin of the flawed sacrifice.

matkīrtanaprabhāveṇa tathā madbhaktadarśanāt|

yajñaskhalanapāpena mukto'bhūdbrahmarākṣasaḥ

मत्कीर्तनप्रभावेण · matkīrtanaprabhāveṇa — by the power of My kirtan

तथा · tathā — also

मद्भक्तदर्शनात् · madbhaktadarśanāt — by the sight of My devotee

यज्ञस्खलनपापेन · yajñaskhalanapāpena — from the sin of sacrifice-flaw

मुक्तः · muktaḥ — freed

अभूत् · abhūt — became

ब्रह्मराक्षसः · brahmarākṣasaḥ — Brahma-rakshasa

मत्कीर्तनप्रभावेण तथा मद्भक्तदर्शनात् ब्रह्मराक्षसः यज्ञस्खलनपापेन मुक्तः अभूत्।

by the power of My kirtan · also · by the sight of My devotee · from the sin of sacrifice-flaw · freed · became · Brahma-rakshasa

The liberation of the Brahma-rākṣasa confirms that the power of the holy name and the sight of a devotee are sufficient to erase even deep-seated karmic burdens.

By merely chanting My name, My devotee who is dedicated to Me, even if running with eyes closed, will neither stumble nor fall here.

mama kīrtanamātreṇa madbhakto matparāyaṇaḥ|

dhāvannimīlya vā netre na skhalenna patediha

मम · mama — My

कीर्तनमात्रेण · kīrtanamātreṇa — by merely chanting

मद्भक्तः · madbhaktaḥ — My devotee

मत्परायणः · matparāyaṇaḥ — devoted to Me

धावन् · dhāvan — running

निमील्य · nimīlya — having closed

वा · vā — or

नेत्रे · netre — eyes

न · na — not

स्खलेत् · skhalet — stumble

न · na — not

पतेत् · patet — fall

इह · iha — here

मत्परायणः मद्भक्तः मम कीर्तनमात्रेण नेत्रे निमील्य धावन् अपि इह न स्खलेत् न च पतेत्।

My · by merely chanting · My devotee · devoted to Me · running · having closed · or · eyes · not · stumble · not · fall · here

This verse serves as a theological assurance that the path of devotion is the safest and most secure way to navigate the perils of worldly existence.

Therefore, the glory of singing My praise is indeed beyond the reach of words, by which even the Chandala Matanga brought Me under his control.

tasmānmadgānamāhātmyaṃ nanu vācāmagocaram |

caṇḍālo'pi ca mātaṅgo yena cakre vaśaṃ hi mām

तस्मात् · tasmāt — therefore

मद्गानमाहात्म्यम् · madgānamāhātmyaṃ — the glory of singing my praise

ननु · nanu — indeed

वाचाम् · vācām — of words

अगोचरम् · agocaram — beyond the reach

चण्डालोऽपि · caṇḍālo'pi — even a Chandala

मातङ्गो · mātaṅgo — Matanga

येन · yena — by which

चक्रे · cakre — made

वशम् · vaśam — under control

हि · hi — certainly

माम् · mām — me

तस्मात् मद्गानमाहात्म्यं ननु वाचाम् अगोचरम् । येन चण्डालः मातङ्गः अपि माम् वशं चक्रे ।

therefore · the glory of singing my praise · indeed · of words · beyond the reach · even a Chandala · Matanga · by which · made · under control · certainly · me

This verse concludes the argument regarding the power of the Holy Name, highlighting that its efficacy is so profound that it transcends the limitations of human language and social status. It serves as a bridge to the Lord's personal testimony about His own vulnerability to such devotion.

O Kshama (Earth), with my mind captivated by the music of Matanga's veena, I, the one of perfect beauty, sport here with you.

atra saundaryapūrṇo'haṃ viharāmi tvayā saha|

mātaṅgavīṇāgānena vimohitamanāḥ kṣame

अत्र · atra — here

सौन्दर्यपूर्णः · saundaryapūrṇaḥ — full of beauty

अहम् · aham — I

विहरामि · viharāmi — sport

त्वया · tvayā — with you

सह · saha — together

मातङ्गवीणागानेन · mātaṅgavīṇāgānena — by the music of Matanga's veena

विमोहितमनाः · vimohitamanāḥ — with mind captivated

क्षमे · kṣame — O Earth

क्षमे, अत्र सौन्दर्यपूर्णः अहम् मातङ्गवीणागानेन विमोहितमनाः त्वया सह विहरामि ।

here · full of beauty · I · sport · with you · together · by the music of Matanga's veena · with mind captivated · O Earth

The Lord reveals His intimate presence at Mahendra Giri, explaining that His divine sport is directly sustained by the devotional music of His devotee, thereby establishing the mountain as a site of active divine grace.

That man who, while his mind is steady, his body is healthy, and the bodily humours are in balance, remembers Me, the Cosmic Form, the Unborn—

sthite manasi susvasthe śarīre sati yo naraḥ |

dhātusāmye sthite smartā viśvarūpaṃ ca māmajam

स्थिते · sthite — being steady

मनसि · manasi — in the mind

सुस्वस्थे · susvasthe — in a healthy state

शरीरे · śarīre — in the body

सति · sati — being

यः · yaḥ — who

नरः · naraḥ — man

धातुसाम्ये · dhātusāmye — in balance of humours

स्थिते · sthite — situated

स्मर्ता · smartā — remembers

विश्वरूपम् · viśvarūpam — the cosmic form

च · ca — and

माम् · mām — me

अजम् · ajam — the unborn

यः नरः मनसि स्थिते, शरीरे सुस्वस्थे, धातुसाम्ये स्थिते सति, विश्वरूपं अजं मां स्मर्ता ।

being steady · in the mind · in a healthy state · in the body · being · who · man · in balance of humours · situated · remembers · the cosmic form · and · me · the unborn

This verse outlines the ideal state of a devotee who maintains spiritual remembrance while in a healthy state, setting the stage for the contrast with the final moments of life described in the next verse.

—that devotee of Mine, when he is dying and resembles a piece of wood or stone, I remember him and lead him to the supreme state.

tatastaṃ mriyamāṇaṃ tu kāṣṭhapāṣāṇasannibham |

ahaṃ smarāmi madbhaktaṃ nayāmi paramāṃ gatim

ततः · tataḥ — then

तम् · tam — him

म्रियमाणम् · mriyamāṇam — dying

तु · tu — indeed

काष्ठपाषाणसन्निभम् · kāṣṭhapāṣāṇasannibham — resembling wood or stone

अहम् · aham — I

स्मरामि · smarāmi — remember

मद्भक्तम् · madbhaktam — my devotee

नयामि · nayāmi — lead

परमाम् · paramām — supreme

गतिम् · gatim — state

ततः तं म्रियमाणं काष्ठपाषाणसन्निभं मद्भक्तं तु अहं स्मरामि, परमां गतिं नयामि ।

then · him · dying · indeed · resembling wood or stone · I · remember · my devotee · lead · supreme · state

The Lord promises that He personally intervenes for His devotee at the moment of death, ensuring that even when the body is incapacitated, the devotee is led to the supreme destination.

There is no other path to cross the ocean of worldly existence in this terrible age of Kali, except for the chanting of My name.

nānyaḥ panthā vidyate hi tartuṃ saṃsārasāgaram |

kalāvasmin yuge ghore vinā mannāmakīrtanam

न · na — not

अन्यः · anyaḥ — other

पन्था · panthā — path

विद्यते · vidyate — exists

हि · hi — indeed

तर्तुम् · tartum — to cross

संसारसागरम् · saṃsārasāgaram — the ocean of worldly existence

कलौ · kalau — in Kali

अस्मिन् · asmin — in this

युगे · yuge — age

घोरे · ghore — terrible

विना · vinā — without

मन्नामकीर्तनम् · mannāmakīrtanam — the chanting of my name

अस्मिन् घोरे कलौ युगे मन्नामकीर्तनं विना संसारसागरं तर्तुं अन्यः पन्था न विद्यते हि ।

not · other · path · exists · indeed · to cross · the ocean of worldly existence · in Kali · in this · age · terrible · without · the chanting of my name

This verse serves as the theological climax of the Lord's discourse, emphasizing the exclusivity and necessity of the Holy Name as the only viable means of liberation in the Kali Yuga.

O Sarvamsaha (all-enduring one), residing always in this sacred place with you, I endure (sarvam sahe) all the unbearable offenses of people in the Kali age.

sarvaṃsahe tvayā sārdhamasmin kṣetre vasan sadā |

sarvaṃ sahe kalau nṛṇāmaparādhaṃ suduḥsaham

सर्वंसहे · sarvaṃsahe — O all-enduring one

त्वया · tvayā — with you

सार्धम् · sārdham — together

अस्मिन् · asmin — in this

क्षेत्रे · kṣetre — sacred place

वसन् · vasan — residing

सदा · sadā — always

सर्वम् · sarvam — all

सहे · sahe — I endure

कलौ · kalau — in Kali

नृणाम् · nṛṇām — of people

अपराधम् · aparādham — offense

सुदुःसहम् · suduḥsaham — unbearable

सर्वंसहे, त्वया सार्धम् अस्मिन् क्षेत्रे सदा वसन्, कलौ नृणां सुदुःसहं सर्वम् अपराधं सहे ।

O all-enduring one · with you · together · in this · sacred place · residing · always · all · I endure · in Kali · of people · offense · unbearable

The Lord explains His own presence at Mahendra Giri as a manifestation of His patience, where He remains to absorb the offenses of humanity, thereby validating the sanctity of the location.

The revered Guru said:

Thus spoke Lord Vishnu, the embodiment of perfect beauty, the ocean of mercy, and the one ever-intent on protecting His devotees, to Ratnagarbha (the Earth).

śrīsadgururuvāca

ityāha bhagavān viṣṇuḥ pūrṇasaundaryavigrahaḥ|

ratnagarbhāṃ kṛpāsindhurbhaktarakṣaṇatatparaḥ

इति · iti — thus

आह · āha — spoke

भगवान् · bhagavān — the Lord

विष्णुः · viṣṇuḥ — Vishnu

पूर्णसौन्दर्यविग्रहः · pūrṇasaundaryavigrahaḥ — embodiment of perfect beauty

रत्नगर्भां · ratnagarbhāṃ — to the Earth

कृपासिन्धुः · kṛpāsindhuḥ — ocean of mercy

भक्तरक्षणतत्परः · bhaktarakṣaṇatatparaḥ — intent on protecting devotees

पूर्णसौन्दर्यविग्रहः कृपासिन्धुः भक्तरक्षणतत्परः भगवान् विष्णुः रत्नगर्भां प्रति इति आह ।

thus · spoke · the Lord · Vishnu · embodiment of perfect beauty · to the Earth · ocean of mercy · intent on protecting devotees

This verse acts as a narrative transition, summarizing the Lord's compassionate nature as He concludes His discourse to the Earth, preparing for the arrival of Shiva.

Once, Shiva came there from the peak of Kailasa. Seeing the beautiful Vishnu, he praised Him with folded hands.

kadācidāyayau tatra kailāsaśikharācchivaḥ |

vilokya sundaraṃ viṣṇuṃ tuṣṭāva vihitāñjaliḥ

कदाचित् · kadācit — once

आययौ · āyayau — came

तत्र · tatra — there

कैलासशिखरात् · kailāsaśikharāt — from the peak of Kailasa

शिवः · śivaḥ — Shiva

विलोक्य · vilokya — having seen

सुन्दरम् · sundaram — beautiful

विष्णुम् · viṣṇum — Vishnu

तुष्टाव · tuṣṭāva — praised

विहिताञ्जलिः · vihitāñjaliḥ — with folded hands

कदाचित् कैलासशिखरात् शिवः तत्र आययौ । सुन्दरं विष्णुं विलोक्य विहिताञ्जलिः तुष्टाव ।

once · came · there · from the peak of Kailasa · Shiva · having seen · beautiful · Vishnu · praised · with folded hands

The arrival of Shiva introduces a new dimension to the Mahendra Giri narrative, establishing the site as a meeting point for the highest deities and reinforcing the unity of their worship.

Shiva said:

Salutations, salutations to You, the Supreme Person, the one full of beauty, the ancient one, worshipped by the gods headed by Mahendra, and by the brahmanas here on Mahendra mountain.

śiva uvāca

namo namaste puruṣottamāya

saundaryapūrṇāya purātanāya

mahendramukhyairmahitāya devai-

rmahendraśaile'tra mahīsuraiśca

नमः · namaḥ — salutations

नमस्ते · namaste — salutations to you

पुरुषोत्तमाय · puruṣottamāya — to the Supreme Person

सौन्दर्यपूर्णाय · saundaryapūrṇāya — to the one full of beauty

पुरातनाय · purātanāya — to the ancient one

महेन्द्रमुख्यैः · mahendramukhyaiḥ — headed by Mahendra

महिताय · mahitāya — worshipped

देवैः · devaiḥ — by gods

महेन्द्रशैले · mahendraśaile — on Mahendra mountain

अत्र · atra — here

महीसुरैः · mahīsuraiḥ — by brahmanas

च · ca — and

पुरुषोत्तमाय, सौन्दर्यपूर्णाय, पुरातनाय ते नमः । महेन्द्रमुख्यैः देवैः अत्र महेन्द्रशैले महीसुरैः च महिताय ते नमः ।

salutations · salutations to you · to the Supreme Person · to the one full of beauty · to the ancient one · headed by Mahendra · worshipped · by gods · on Mahendra mountain · here · by brahmanas · and

Shiva's prayer establishes the hierarchy of worship at Mahendra Giri, acknowledging Vishnu as the Supreme Person and the source of all holiness, even from the perspective of the destroyer deity.

I always bear on my head the Ganga, which is the nectar from Your lotus feet. By the singing of Your name, O lotus-eyed one, I grant liberation to those who die in Kashi.

tvatpādapadme makarandabhūtāṃ

gaṅgāṃ ca nityaṃ śirasā dharāmi |

tvannāmagānena dadāmi mokṣaṃ

kāśyāṃ mṛtānāṃ kamalāyatākṣa

त्वत्पादपद्मे · tvatpādapadme — at your lotus feet

मकरन्दभूताम् · makarandabhūtām — which is the nectar

गङ्गाम् · gaṅgām — Ganga

च · ca — and

नित्यम् · nityam — always

शिरसा · śirasā — on the head

धरामि · dharāmi — I bear

त्वन्नामगानेन · tvannāmagānena — by singing your name

ददामि · dadāmi — I grant

मोक्षम् · mokṣam — liberation

काश्याम् · kāśyām — in Kashi

मृतानाम् · mṛtānām — to those who die

कमलायताक्ष · kamalāyatākṣa — O lotus-eyed one

कमलायताक्ष, त्वत्पादपद्मे मकरन्दभूतां गङ्गां च नित्यं शिरसा धरामि । त्वन्नामगानेन काश्यां मृतानां मोक्षं ददामि ।

at your lotus feet · which is the nectar · Ganga · and · always · on the head · I bear · by singing your name · I grant · liberation · in Kashi · to those who die · O lotus-eyed one

Shiva highlights his own role as a devotee of Vishnu, noting that the very Ganga he carries is derived from Vishnu's feet, thus grounding his own authority in the service of the Lord.

Constantly meditating upon Your divine form, beautiful with the lustre of a great sapphire, I have acquired a blue radiance; for that reason, O Madhava, they call me Nilakantha (the blue-throated one).

mahendranīlacchavisundaraṃ te

divyaṃ svarūpaṃ satataṃ vicintya |

hetostato'haṃ nanu nīlakāntiḥ

vadanti māṃ mādhava nīlakaṇṭham

महेन्द्रनीलच्छविसुन्दरम् · mahendranīlacchavisundaram — beautiful like the lustre of a great sapphire

ते · te — Your

दिव्यम् · divyam — divine

स्वरूपम् · svarūpam — form

सततम् · satatam — constantly

विचिन्त्य · vicintya — having meditated upon

हेतोस्ततः · hetostataḥ — for that reason

अहम् · aham — I

ननु · nanu — indeed

नीलकान्तिः · nīlakāntiḥ — possessing blue radiance

वदन्ति · vadanti — they call

माम् · mām — me

माधव · mādhava — O Madhava

नीलकण्ठम् · nīlakaṇṭham — the blue-throated one

ते दिव्यं स्वरूपं सततं विचिन्त्य अहं महेन्द्रनीलच्छविसुन्दरं (जातः)। ततः हेतोः अहं नीलकान्तिः (अस्मि)। माधव, मां नीलकण्ठं वदन्ति।

beautiful like the lustre of a great sapphire · Your · divine · form · constantly · having meditated upon · for that reason · I · indeed · possessing blue radiance · they call · me · O Madhava · the blue-throated one

Shiva explains his physical appearance as a direct result of his constant meditation on Vishnu's divine form. This establishes the deep, inseparable connection between the two deities.

Your Maya, which is composed of the three gunas and is famous in the Vedas as 'Vaishnavi', has assumed the role of my wife and serves me always under the name Uma.

tavaiva māyā triguṇātmikā yā

vede prasiddhā khalu vaiṣṇavīti |

kuṭumbinībhāvamupetya māṃ ca

saṃsevate nityamumeti nāmnā

तवैव · tavaiva — Your own

माया · māyā — deluding power

त्रिगुणात्मिका · triguṇātmikā — composed of the three gunas

या · yā — which

वेदे · vede — in the Vedas

प्रसिद्धा · prasiddhā — famous

खलु · khalu — indeed

वैष्णवीति · vaiṣṇavīti — as Vaishnavi

कुटुम्बिनीभावम् · kuṭumbinībhāvam — role of a wife

उपेत्य · upetya — having attained

माम् · mām — me

च · ca — and

संसेवते · saṃsevate — serves

नित्यम् · nityam — always

उमेति · umeti — as Uma

नाम्ना · nāmnā — by the name

या तव माया त्रिगुणात्मिका वेदे वैष्णवीति प्रसिद्धा, सा कुटुम्बिनीभावम् उपेत्य मां नित्यं उमेति नाम्ना संसेवते।

Your own · deluding power · composed of the three gunas · which · in the Vedas · famous · indeed · as Vaishnavi · role of a wife · having attained · me · and · serves · always · as Uma · by the name

Shiva clarifies that the feminine power associated with him, Uma, is actually the Vaishnavi-Maya of Vishnu. This verse reinforces the unity of the divine couple and their shared source.

My son, Ganeshwara, by writing Your very name on the ground here and circumambulating it by my command, became worthy of worship by all people forever.

mamāpi putrastu gaṇeśvaro'yaṃ

tavaiva nāmātra vilikhya bhūmau|

pradakṣiṇīkṛtya mamājñayaiva

pūjyo'bhavat sarvajanaiśca nityam

मम · mama — my

अपि · api — also

पुत्रस्तु · putrastu — son

गणेश्वरः · gaṇeśvaraḥ — Ganesha

अयम् · ayam — this

तवैव · tavaiva — Your own

नाम · nāma — name

अत्र · atra — here

विलिख्य · vilikhya — having written

भूमौ · bhūmau — on the ground

प्रदक्षिणीकृत्य · pradakṣiṇīkṛtya — having circumambulated

मम · mama — my

आज्ञया · ājñayā — by command

पूज्यः · pūjyaḥ — worshipful

अभवत् · abhavat — became

सर्वजनैः · sarvajanaiḥ — by all people

मम पुत्रः गणेश्वरः अपि अत्र भूमौ तव नाम विलिख्य ममाज्ञया प्रदक्षिणीकृत्य सर्वजनैः नित्यं पूज्यः अभवत्।

my · also · son · Ganesha · this · Your own · name · here · having written · on the ground · having circumambulated · my · by command · worshipful · became · by all people

Shiva highlights the efficacy of Vishnu's name by citing the example of Ganesha, who attained universal worship through it. This serves as a practical proof of the glory of the holy name.

The essence of Vaishnava dharma was previously taught by me to Kumara, who received it with respect. With Your help, he then killed the valiant demon named Taraka in battle.

prokto mayā vaiṣṇavadharmasāraḥ

pūrvaṃ kumārāya kṛtādarāya

tvayaiva sākaṃ sa ca saṅgare taṃ

jaghāna śūraṃ kila tārakākhyam

प्रोक्तः · proktaḥ — taught

मया · mayā — by me

वैष्णवधर्मसारः · vaiṣṇavadharmasāraḥ — essence of Vaishnava dharma

पूर्वम् · pūrvam — previously

कुमाराय · kumārāya — to Kumara

कृतादराय · kṛtādarāya — who received with respect

त्वया · tvayā — by You

साकम् · sākam — with

सः · saḥ — he

च · ca — and

सङ्गरे · saṅgare — in battle

तम् · tam — him

जघान · jaghāna — killed

शूरम् · śūram — valiant

तारकाख्यम् · tārakākhyam — named Taraka

मया पूर्वं कृतादराय कुमाराय वैष्णवधर्मसारः प्रोक्तः। सः त्वया साकं सङ्गरे तं शूरं तारकाख्यं जघान।

taught · by me · essence of Vaishnava dharma · previously · to Kumara · who received with respect · by You · with · he · and · in battle · him · killed · valiant · named Taraka

Shiva acknowledges that even his son Kumara's victory over the demon Taraka was facilitated by the Vaishnava dharma taught by him. This emphasizes that all power and success derive from devotion to Vishnu.

I have been worshipped by You in many places, of Your own free will, again and again. Yet, I feel no pride; I always remember only You in my heart.

tvayā'rcito'haṃ ca bahusthaleṣu

svacchandavṛttyaiva punaḥ punaśca

tathāpi nāhaṃ tu labhe ca garvaṃ

tvāmeva nityaṃ hṛdaye smarāmi

त्वया · tvayā — by You

अर्चितः · arcitaḥ — worshipped

अहम् · aham — I

बहुस्थलेषु · bahusthaleṣu — in many places

स्वच्छन्दवृत्त्या · svacchandavṛttyā — by Your own free will

पुनः · punaḥ — again

पुनः · punaḥ — again

तथापि · tathāpi — yet

न · na — not

अहम् · aham — I

लभे · labhe — obtain

गर्वम् · garvam — pride

त्वाम् · tvām — You

एव · eva — only

नित्यम् · nityam — always

हृदये · hṛdaye — in heart

स्मरामि · smarāmi — remember

त्वया बहुस्थलेषु स्वच्छन्दवृत्त्या अहं पुनः पुनः अर्चितः। तथापि अहं गर्वं न लभे, नित्यं त्वामेव हृदये स्मरामि।

by You · worshipped · I · in many places · by Your own free will · again · again · yet · not · I · obtain · pride · You · only · always · in heart · remember

Shiva expresses his humility, noting that despite being worshipped by Vishnu, he remains a devotee who constantly remembers Him. This sets an example of the ideal attitude for a seeker.

When seekers of liberation approached me in the past and asked for the path to salvation, O lotus-eyed one, I determined and declared You, saying, "Hari alone is to be meditated upon by you."

mumukṣavo māmupagatya pūrvaṃ

papracchurabjekṣaṇa mokṣamārgam

dhyeyo bhavadbhirharireka eve-

tyahaṃ viniścityocivāṃstvām

मुमुक्षवः · mumukṣavaḥ — seekers of liberation

माम् · mām — me

उपगत्य · upagatya — having approached

पूर्वम् · pūrvam — previously

पप्रच्छुः · papracchuḥ — asked

अब्जेक्षण · abjekṣaṇa — O lotus-eyed one

मोक्षमार्गम् · mokṣamārgam — path to liberation

ध्येयः · dhyeyaḥ — to be meditated upon

भवद्भिः · bhavadbhiḥ — by you

हरिः · hariḥ — Hari

एक · eka — alone

एव · eva — only

इति · iti — thus

अहम् · aham — I

विनिश्चित्य · viniścitya — having determined

उचिवांस्त्वाम् · ucivāṃstvām — declared to you

मुमुक्षवः मां उपगत्य मोक्षमार्गं पप्रच्छुः। अब्जेक्षण, अहं विनिश्चित्य उचिवांस्त्वाम् - भवद्भिः हरिः एक एव ध्येयः इति।

seekers of liberation · me · having approached · previously · asked · O lotus-eyed one · path to liberation · to be meditated upon · by you · Hari · alone · only · thus · I · having determined · declared to you

Shiva confirms that he directs all seekers of liberation to Vishnu, the ultimate goal. This reinforces the theological position that Vishnu is the supreme object of meditation.

I myself desire the state of being a Vaishnava. You alone are the Lord, O abode of the universe. Nevertheless, by Your command, people worship me as the Lord, observing vows dedicated to me.

icchāmi so'haṃ kila vaiṣṇavatva-

mīśastvamevāsi jagannivāsa|

tathāpi māmīśamupāsate ca

tvadājñayā madvratamācarantaḥ

इच्छामि · icchāmi — I desire

सः · saḥ — I

अहम् · aham — I

वैष्णवत्वम् · vaiṣṇavatvam — state of being a Vaishnava

ईशः · īśaḥ — Lord

त्वम् · tvam — You

एव · eva — alone

असि · asi — are

जगन्निवास · jagannivāsa — O abode of the universe

तथापि · tathāpi — nevertheless

माम् · mām — me

ईशम् · īśam — as Lord

उपासते · upāsate — worship

त्वदाज्ञया · tvadājñayā — by Your command

मद्व्रतम् · madvratam — vows dedicated to me

आचरन्तः · ācarantaḥ — observing

जगन्निवास, अहं वैष्णवत्वं इच्छामि। त्वमेव ईशः असि। तथापि त्वदाज्ञया मद्व्रतम् आचरन्तः जनाः माम् ईशम् उपासते।

I desire · I · I · state of being a Vaishnava · Lord · You · alone · are · O abode of the universe · nevertheless · me · as Lord · worship · by Your command · vows dedicated to me · observing

Shiva declares his own desire to be a Vaishnava, acknowledging Vishnu as the Lord of the universe. This highlights the hierarchy of devotion where even the highest deities serve the Supreme.

Yet, some who are averse to me, with deluded minds, criticize me. They call me a tamasic deity. Tell me, O Vamana, is this Your wish?

tathāpi kecidvimukhā mamāpi

nindāṃ prakurvanti vimugdhacittāḥ|

vadanti māṃ tāmasadevateti

kiṃ tattaveṣṭaṃ vada vāmana tvam

तथापि · tathāpi — yet

केचित् · kecit — some

विमुखाः · vimukhāḥ — averse

मम · mama — to me

निन्दाम् · nindām — criticism

प्रकुर्वन्ति · prakurvanti — do

विमुग्धचित्ताः · vimugdhacittāḥ — with deluded minds

वदन्ति · vadanti — they call

माम् · mām — me

तामसदेवता · tāmasadevatā — tamasic deity

किम् · kim — is

तत् · tat — that

तव · tava — Your

इष्टम् · iṣṭam — wish

वद · vada — tell

वामन · vāmana — O Vamana

त्वम् · tvam — You

तथापि केचित् विमुग्धचित्ताः विमुखाः मम निन्दाम् प्रकुर्वन्ति। मां तामसदेवता इति वदन्ति। वामन, तत् तव इष्टं किम्? वद।

yet · some · averse · to me · criticism · do · with deluded minds · they call · me · tamasic deity · is · that · Your · wish · tell · O Vamana · You

Shiva raises the concern of being misunderstood by deluded people who criticize him. He seeks clarification from Vishnu, showing his complete reliance on Vishnu's will.

The Lord said:

Do not grieve, O Mahadeva. I know your heart. Unfortunate humans, due to their past misdeeds, indeed criticize.

śrībhagavānuvāca

mā viṣīda mahādeva jānāmi hṛdayaṃ tava |

nindanti kila daurbhāgyānmānavāḥ pūrvaduṣkṛtāt

मा · mā — do not

विषीद · viṣīda — grieve

महादेव · mahādeva — O Mahadeva

जानामि · jānāmi — I know

हृदयम् · hṛdayam — heart

तव · tava — your

निन्दन्ति · nindanti — they criticize

किल · kila — indeed

दौर्भाग्यात् · daurbhāgyāt — due to misfortune

मानवाः · mānavāḥ — humans

पूर्वदुष्कृतात् · pūrvaduṣkṛtāt — due to past misdeeds

महादेव, मा विषीद। तव हृदयं जानामि। दौर्भाग्यात् पूर्वदुष्कृतात् मानवाः निन्दन्ति किल।

do not · grieve · O Mahadeva · I know · heart · your · they criticize · indeed · due to misfortune · humans · due to past misdeeds

Vishnu consoles Shiva, explaining that the criticism arises from the critics' own past misdeeds, not from any reality. This absolves Shiva and reaffirms their bond.

Indeed, I reside eternally in your heart, O Shankara. You are I, and I am you; there is no difference between us.

tavaiva hṛdaye nityaṃ vasāmi nanu śaṅkara |

tvamevāhamahañca tvaṃ na bhedaścāvayostathā

तवैव · tavaiva — in your own

हृदये · hṛdaye — heart

नित्यम् · nityam — eternally

वसामि · vasāmi — I reside

ननु · nanu — indeed

शङ्कर · śaṅkara — O Shankara

त्वम् · tvam — you

एव · eva — are

अहम् · aham — I

अहम् · aham — I

च · ca — and

त्वम् · tvam — you

न · na — no

भेदः · bhedaḥ — difference

च · ca — and

आवयोः · āvayoḥ — between us

तथा · tathā — thus

शङ्कर, तवैव हृदये नित्यं वसामि। त्वमेव अहम्, अहं च त्वम्। आवयोः भेदः न तथा।

in your own · heart · eternally · I reside · indeed · O Shankara · you · are · I · I · and · you · no · difference · and · between us · thus

Vishnu declares the absolute non-difference between himself and Shiva. This is the core theological resolution of the chapter, establishing the harmony of the two deities.

Even those devotees of Mine who are foolish and endowed with a sense of difference, by hating you, O Shankara, commit an offense against Me alone.

madbhaktā api te mūḍhā bhedabhāvena saṃyutāḥ|

mamaiva drohamīhante tvayi dveṣeṇa śaṅkara

मद्भक्ताः · madbhaktāḥ — My devotees

अपि · api — even

ते · te — they

मूढाः · mūḍhāḥ — foolish ones

भेदभावेन · bhedabhāvena — with a sense of difference

संयुताः · saṃyutāḥ — endowed with

ममैव · mamaiva — against Me alone

द्रोहम् · droham — offense/betrayal

ईहन्ते · īhante — they commit

त्वयि · tvayi — in you

द्वेषेण · dveṣeṇa — by hating

शङ्कर · śaṅkara — O Shankara

ते मद्भक्ताः अपि मूढाः भेदभावेन संयुताः सन्तः, त्वयि द्वेषेण ममैव द्रोहम् ईहन्ते, हे शङ्कर।

My devotees · even · they · foolish ones · with a sense of difference · endowed with · against Me alone · offense/betrayal · they commit · in you · by hating · O Shankara

The Lord clarifies the non-dual nature of His relationship with Shiva, warning that any sectarian division between their devotees is a direct offense against Him. This reinforces the unity of the divine in the context of the Mahendra Giri pilgrimage.

Therefore, remain always by My side in this sacred place. By My command, receive the worship performed by devotees, equal to My own.

nityaṃ pārśvasthitastasmādasmin kṣetre mamaiva hi |

madājñayā kṛtāṃ bhaktaiḥ pūjāṃ prāpnuhi matsamam

नित्यम् · nityam — always

पार्श्वस्थितः · pārśvasthitaḥ — standing by the side

तस्मात् · tasmāt — therefore

अस्मिन् · asmin — in this

क्षेत्रे · kṣetre — sacred place

ममैव · mamaiva — of Mine alone

हि · hi — indeed

मदाज्ञया · madājñayā — by My command

कृताम् · kṛtām — performed

भक्तैः · bhaktaiḥ — by devotees

पूजां · pūjām — worship

प्राप्नुहि · prāpnuhi — receive

मत्समम् · matsamam — equal to Mine

तस्मात् त्वं नित्यं पार्श्वस्थितः अस्मिन् क्षेत्रे भव। मदाज्ञया भक्तैः कृतां पूजां मत्समं प्राप्नुहि।

always · standing by the side · therefore · in this · sacred place · of Mine alone · indeed · by My command · performed · by devotees · worship · receive · equal to Mine

The Lord grants Shiva an equal status in the worship at Mahendra Giri, establishing the site as a place where both deities are honored with equal reverence by the devotees.

The revered Guru said:

Thus consoled, Shambhu, residing with Vishnu, is worshipped here, ever-present at Hari's side.

śrīsadgururuvāca

evaṃ saṃsāntvitaḥ śambhuḥ saṃvasan saha viṣṇunā |

pūjito bhavatyatra nityaṃ pārśvasthito hareḥ

श्रीसद्गुरुः · śrīsadguruḥ — the revered Guru

उवाच · uvāca — said

एवम् · evam — thus

संसान्त्वितः · saṃsāntvitaḥ — consoled

शम्भुः · śambhuḥ — Shambhu

संवसन् · saṃvasan — residing

सह · saha — with

विष्णुना · viṣṇunā — Vishnu

पूजितः · pūjitaḥ — worshipped

भवति · bhavati — becomes

अत्र · atra — here

नित्यम् · nityam — always

पार्श्वस्थितः · pārśvasthitaḥ — standing by the side

हरेः · hareḥ — of Hari

एवं संसान्त्वितः शम्भुः विष्णुना सह संवसन्, अत्र नित्यं हरेः पार्श्वस्थितः पूजितः भवति।

the revered Guru · said · thus · consoled · Shambhu · residing · with · Vishnu · worshipped · becomes · here · always · standing by the side · of Hari

This verse concludes the dialogue, confirming that Shiva remains eternally present at the side of Vishnu at Mahendra Giri, fulfilling the Lord's promise of shared worship.

Those people who enter this supreme sacred place will certainly become worthy of worship in Vaikuntha, equal to Vishnu.

Here ends the twentieth chapter, titled "The Glory of Mahendra Giri," in the Fifth Part of the "Divyadesavaibhavam," composed by Śrī Kṛṣṇapremi Mahāprabhu.

tadidaṃ paramaṃ kṣetraṃ praviśanti ca ye narāḥ|

bhavanti nūnaṃ te pūjyā vaikuṇṭhe viṣṇunā samam

तदिदम् · tadidam — this

परमम् · paramam — supreme

क्षेत्रम् · kṣetram — sacred place

प्रविशन्ति · praviśanti — enter

च · ca — and

ये · ye — those who

नराः · narāḥ — people

भवन्ति · bhavanti — become

नूनम् · nūnam — certainly

ते · te — they

पूज्याः · pūjyāḥ — worthy of worship

वैकुण्ठे · vaikuṇṭhe — in Vaikuntha

विष्णुना · viṣṇunā — with Vishnu

समम् · samam — equal

ये नराः तत् इदं परमं क्षेत्रं प्रविशन्ति, ते नूनं वैकुण्ठे विष्णुना समं पूज्याः भवन्ति।

this · supreme · sacred place · enter · and · those who · people · become · certainly · they · worthy of worship · in Vaikuntha · with Vishnu · equal

The chapter concludes by highlighting the immense spiritual fruit of visiting Mahendra Giri, promising that pilgrims attain a status equivalent to the Lord in Vaikuntha.