Chapter summary
यादवाचलमाहात्म्यम् Yādavācala Māhātmyam
The Glory of Yadavachala
**Śrī Sadguru said:**
In the sacred land of Karnataka lies a holy mountain known as Yadavādri, the Yadu mountain, whose auspiciousness rivals that of Kalyāṇabhūdhara. Within its caves, variegated with precious gems and minerals, celestial beauties, along with the wives of Siddhas and Vidyādharas, constantly sport and revel. There, self-controlled sages, ever immersed in austerities and chanting the eight-syllabled mantra, meditate upon Govinda. (v.1-3)
On this very Yādava mountain, in the presence of these great sages, even wild animals like lions roam about in profound peace. Yadavādri shines resplendently, adorned with diverse trees, frequented by various birds, and inhabited by herds of many kinds of animals. It is further beautified by an abundance of fruits, fragrant with countless flowers, and made lovely and dark by its lush green meadows. (v.4-6)
Upon its plateau rests a holy *tīrtha* [sacred pond], a destroyer of great sins, renowned by the name Kalyāṇa, for it is a bestower of all auspiciousness. The sweet water within this Kalyāṇa lake is beloved, resembling pure crystal, inherently sacred, and akin to nectar. Served by graceful swans and cranes, its expanse of lotus groves shines brilliantly, and the lake named Kalyāṇa is rendered even more beautiful by its jeweled steps. (v.7-9)
Even the gods themselves certainly desire to bathe in the Kalyāṇa lake, which bestows eternal auspiciousness; what then to say of humans in this world? Indeed, by merely praising it, seeing it, sprinkling its water, or bathing in it, this Kalyāṇa *tīrtha* unfailingly bestows auspiciousness upon all men. (v.10-11)
On the bank of this Kalyāṇa *tīrtha*, which remains untouched by the impurities of the Kali age, stands a magnificent temple of Kṛṣṇa, a sight that brings immediate joy. There, the God of gods, Vāsudeva, wielding His conch, discus, and mace, makes His divine presence felt, granting the desired fruits to His devotees. Within this sacred precinct, Vaishnavas, devoted to the service of Hari and endowed with profound knowledge and dispassion, rejoice together, filled with boundless love. (v.12-14)
**The Bhāgavatas said:**
O best of Gurus, we are eager to hear: when and by whom was Vāsudeva installed on Yadugiri? Pray tell us. (v.15)
**Śrī Sadguru said:**
Once, Balarāma, the foremost and mightiest of the Yadus, while undertaking a pilgrimage, arrived at Naimiṣāraṇya. There, he beheld Romaharṣaṇa, the disciple of the great sage Vyāsa, seated upon the *Vyāsa-pīṭha* [the teacher's seat], while before him, the venerable Brahmarṣis were seated humbly on the ground. (v.16-17)
"Alas!" Balarāma thought, "This man, born of a mixed union, is utterly devoid of humility. Why does he behave so improperly, even here, in the presence of these Brahmarṣis? I have descended to this world precisely for the destruction of such foolish people who, feigning wisdom, seek to break the established order. True knowledge bestows humility, but not upon such evil-minded individuals. Indeed, humility is always the distinguishing mark of a Vaishnava in this world. The Śruti and Smṛti are My commands. He who transgresses them is a violator of My command, an enemy to Me; even if he claims to be My devotee, he is no true Vaishnava." (v.18-21)
Then, Balarāma declared, "If his slaying is righteous, and if this act serves as a lesson for the world, then with a blade of *darbha* grass, cut off the head of this arrogant one who fancies himself a Brahmin." Playfully uttering these words, Rāma, the ocean of mercy, who was averse even to killing the wicked, severed Romaharṣaṇa's head with just the tip of a *kuśa* grass. (v.22-23)
All the sages cried out, "Alas, alas, alas!" being overcome with grief. Rāma, bowing to those sages, sought forgiveness for his offense. (v.24)
**Rāma said:**
"This sin, comparable to the killing of a Brahmin, was committed by me unknowingly. O you who are lords yourselves, please tell me the penance for this transgression." (v.25)
**The Sages said:**
"O Rāma, you are Saṅkarṣaṇa, the very cause of the dissolution of all. For you, O Lord, who have descended into this world, whence can there be sin? Those men who chant 'Hare, Rāma, Kṛṣṇa'—all their sins are destroyed; there is no doubt about this." (v.26-27)
"Nevertheless, for the sake of instructing the world, since you desire a penance, we shall tell you the remedy for your sin, O Yādava. O Lord, undertake a pilgrimage in the sacred land of Bhārata. The holy places remove the sins of men; there is no doubt." (v.28-29)
**Śrī Sadguru said:**
Thus addressed, the glorious Rāma, accompanied by his retinue, undertook a pilgrimage, thereby sanctifying the three worlds. Wandering here and there to various holy places, the best of the Yadus eventually came to Yadavādri, which is graced with the Kalyāṇa *tīrtha*. (v.30-31)
Having bathed in the Kalyāṇa *tīrtha*, which removes the sin of killing a Brahmin, Balarāma, the wielder of the plough, attained supreme bliss. On the peak of Yadavādri, he also beheld Narasiṃha, and that Lord of venerable prowess considered himself to have accomplished his purpose. (v.32-33)
On the bank of the Kalyāṇa *tīrtha*, he built the excellent city of Kalyāṇapura and settled Vaishnava Brahmins there. In its midst, he also constructed a temple for Vāsudeva. Having installed Vishnu there, he worshipped Him with profound reverence. Rāma, having duly installed Kṛṣṇa, who is dear to Rāma [i.e., Balarāma], then performed the daily festivals along with the Bhāgavata devotees. (v.34-36)
Rāma offered the divine and wonderful crown, which had formerly emerged from the milk ocean and was worn by Kṛṣṇa-Vishnu. Thus performing the coronation ceremony for Rāmapriya [the Lord dear to Rāma], the delight of the Yadus joyfully returned to Dvārakā. (v.37-38)
The city of Kalyāṇanagara, protected by Kshatriyas born in the Yadu dynasty, also became a bestower of auspiciousness upon men. (v.39)
Rāma, filled with paternal affection for Rāmapriya, came again and again to Yadavāchala for His *darśana*. (v.40)
O best of Vaishnavas, the glory of Yadavāchala, though endless, has been narrated in brief. What more do you wish to hear? Those people who, in the Kali age, behold Rāmapriya on Yadavādri—those humans are indeed fortunate and blessed in the three worlds. (v.41-42)
Thus, in the work "Divya Desa Vaibhavam" composed by Śrī Kṛṣṇapremi Mahāprabhu, in the Fifth Part, the thirty-fourth chapter named "The Glory of Yadavachala".
