Canto1 Eng

Kṛṣṇa Dvaipāyana Vyāsadeva
ŚRĪMAD BHĀGAVATAM
(Bhāgavata Purāṇa)
The Story of the Fortunate One
Canto 1
Translated by Anand Aadhar
Third revised edition 11-04-2020
2 Śrīmad Bhāgavatam - The Story of the Fortunate One
CANTO 1: Creation
Introduction ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3
1 Questions by the Sages --------------------------------------------------------------------- 7
2 Divinity and Divine Service --------------------------------------------------------------- 8
3 Kṛṣṇa is the Source of all Incarnations --------------------------------------------------- 10
4 The Appearance of Śrī Nārada ------------------------------------------------------------- 12
5 Nārada's Instructions on Śrīmad Bhāgavatam for Vyāsadeva ------------------------- 14
6 The Conversation between Nārada and Vyāsadeva ------------------------------------- 17
7 The Son of Droṇa Punished ---------------------------------------------------------------- 19
8 Parīkṣit Saved and Prayers by Queen Kuntī --------------------------------------------- 22
9 The Passing Away of Bhīṣmadeva in the Presence of Kṛṣṇa --------------------------- 24
10 The Departure of Kṛṣṇa for Dvārakā ----------------------------------------------------- 27
11 Śrī Kṛṣṇa's Entrance into Dvārakā -------------------------------------------------------- 29
12 The Birth of Emperor Parīkṣit ------------------------------------------------------------ 32
13 Dhṛtarāṣṭra Quits Home ------------------------------------------------------------------- 33
14 The Disappearance of Kṛṣṇa -------------------------------------------------------------- 37
15 The Pāṇḍavas Retire ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 38
16 How Parīkṣit Received the Age of Kali ------------------------------------------------- 41
17 Punishment and Reward of Kali --------------------------------------------------------- 44
18 Mahārāja Parīkṣit Cursed by a Brahmin Boy ------------------------------------------ 46
19 The Appearance of Śukadeva Gosvāmī ------------------------------------------------- 48
Canto 1 3
(Vaiṣṇava), a bhakti (devotional) monk of Lord

Viṣṇu [the name for the transcendental form of
Lord Kṛṣṇa]. He undertook the daring task of
enlightening the materialist westerners, the
advanced philosophers and theologians, in order to
help them to overcome the perils and loneliness of
impersonalism and the philosophy of emptiness.
Introduction
The representative of Viṣṇu on earth is named the
This book relates the story of the Lord and His Fortunate One in this book. We know Him
incarnations since the earliest records of Vedic specifically by the names of Lord Rāma and Lord
history, the history of the original culture of Kṛṣṇa. The Fortunate One is thus the Lord who is
knowledge of India. It is verily the Kṛṣṇa 'bible' known in different forms or incarnations, the
[in Sanskrit called a Samhitā] of the Hindu so-called avatāras, but also the devotees are part
universe. The Bhagavad Gītā relates to
this book like the sermon on the
mountain by Lord Jesus relates to the full
Bible. It has about 18.000 verses
contained in 335 chapters and consists of
12 subdivisions of books that are called
Cantos. These books together tell the
complete history of the Vedic culture and
cover the essence of the classical
collections of stories called the Purāṇas.
This specific collection of Vedic stories is
considered the most important one of all
the great eighteen classical Purāṇas of
India. It includes the cream of the Vedic
knowledge compiled from all the Vedic
literatures as also the story of the life of
Lord Kṛṣṇa in full (Canto 10). Lord
Kṛṣṇa constitutes a watershed in history
between the old Vedic culture and the
'modern' political culture in which the
rule of state no longer automatically is
guided by the spiritual order. The book
tells the story of His birth, His youth, all
wonderful proofs of His divine nature,
and His superhuman feats of defeating all
kinds of demons, up to the great
Mahābhārata war at Kurukṣetra. In this
war the Vedic culture fell down to be
replaced by the fragmented religiosity we
these days call Hinduism. This leading
Purāṇa also called the 'perfect Purāṇa', is
a brilliant story that has been brought to
the West by Śrīla A.C. Bhaktivedānta
Swami Prabhupāda, a Caitanya Vaishnava
!
of His reality and are also called bhāgavata when succession, commissioned to disseminate this
they are of pure devotion. On top of that the book book in the West, together with his pupils (known
is also called bhāgavata. Thus there is the Lord in as the Hare Kṛṣṇas of ISKCON), realized a verse
His many appearances, the devotee with as many by verse commented series of books covering the
faces and the book. They are all called bhāgavata entire Bhāgavatam. The site bhagavata.org offers
or fortunate. The word bhāga means fortune or not all these texts (see for that purpose
luck while the term bhaga refers to gracious lord, vedabase.io) but it does offer, under the Creative
happiness and wealth. To be fortunate Vedically Commons copyright, an as-it-is translation,
means to be of the opulence, or to carry, or live by, independent from ISKCON, of the verses in a
the fullness of God's riches, beauty, fame, power, concatenated form, complete with the previous
knowledge and detachment. version. This text is regularly updated and
maintained by me, the undersigned, who received
instruction in the temples of ISKCON and
The writer of this book is named Kṛṣṇa elsewhere. His predecessor in this duty in the
Dvaipāyana Vyāsadeva, and is also called Netherlands was Śrī Hayeśvar das (Hendrik van
Bādarāyana. He is the Lord, the Bhagavān or Teylingen), initiated by him, who covered most
venerable one, among the philosophers, who in of the translations into Dutch.
India assembled all the holy texts. He compiled
the Vedas, four basic scriptures known as the śruti,
meaning ‘that what is heard’, containing the basic For this translation, this digital version of the
wisdom, the mantras for the rituals and the hymns. book, the author has consulted the translations of
The Purāṇas together with the Itihāsas (separate C.L. Goswami, M.A., Sāstrī (from the Gītā Press,
stories) belong to the so-called smṛti, ‘that what is Gorakhpur), the paramparā version of Śrīla
remembered’. This knowledge is sometimes Viṣvanātha Cakravarti Ṭhākura and the later
considered a fifth Veda. He also wrote the version of this book by Śrīla A.C. Bhaktivedānta
Mahābhārata, which is the greatest epic poem in Swami Prabhupāda. The latter translators, as
the world. It describes the history (Itihāsa) of the ācāryas of the age-old Indian Vaishnava
great fall that the Vedic culture once made. The tradition, are representatives of a culture of
Bhagavad Gītā is the most important part of it. reformation in devotion for the Supreme
Vyāsa also wrote the rest of the eighteen great Personality of God, or bhakti yoga, the way it has
story books (the Purāṇas) of India as also the been practiced in India since the 16th century.
Brahma-sūtra, his masterpiece on the Absolute This reformation asserts that the false authority
Truth. Vyāsa was a grandfather of the Kuru of the caste system and single dry book
dynasty. He lived a very long time. His long knowledge is to be rejected. Śrī Kṛṣṇa Caitanya,
duration of life enabled him to write the story of also called Caitanya Mahāprabhu (1486-1534),
the Fortunate One and all the other books. He had the avatāra [an in carnation of the Lord] who
a son called Śukadeva who handed the message of heralded this reform, restored the original
this bible in the presence of other sages down to paramparā purpose of developing devotion unto
another member of the family, Emperor Parīkṣit, the person of God, and endeavored in particular
who had difficulty respecting the classical for the dissemination of the two main sacred
wisdom. This emperor is there in this book, which scriptures expounding on that devotion in
presents the classical Vedic wisdom in the form of relation to Kṛṣṇa as the Supreme Personality of
a frame story, as a model for us normal people Godhead. These scriptures are the Bhagavad
who seek their stability in the wisdom. This Gītā and this Bhāgavata Purāṇa, also called the
knowledge was by Śuka conveyed to him in Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, from which all the
disciplic succession (paramparā), for the sake of Vaishnava ācāryas of Lord Caitanya derived their
those who teach by example (the ācāryas) the wisdom for the purpose of instruction and the
science of devotional service (bhakti). Swami A. shaping of their devotion. The word for word
C. Bhaktivedanta Prabhupāda from this disciplic translations as also the full text and commentaries
!
Canto 1 5
of this book were studied within and without the renounced order - sannyāsīs (or samnyāsīns), who
Hare Kṛṣṇa temples where the teaching of this instructed me in the independence and maturity
culture takes place. of the philosophy of the bhakti-yogis of Lord
Caitanya, need to be mentioned. I was already
initiated in India by a non-Vaishnava guru and
The purpose of this translation is first of all to was given the name Swami Anand Aadhar
make this glorious text available to a wider ('teacher of the foundation of happiness'). That
audience over the Internet. Since the Bible, the name the Kṛṣṇa community converted into Anand
Koran and numerous other holy texts are readily Aadhar Prabhu ('master of the foundation of
available on the internet, I, the translator, meant happiness'), without further ceremonies of
that this book could not stay behind on the shelf of Vaishnava initiation (apart from a basic training).
his own bookcase as a token of material With the name Anand Aadhar I am a withdrawn
possessiveness. When I started with this endeavor devotee, a so-called vānapraṣta, who does his
in the year 2000, there was no proper web devotional service independently in the silence
presentation of this book. Knowledge not shared is and modesty of his local adaptations of the
knowledge lost, and certainly this type of philosophy.
knowledge, which stresses the yoga of
non-possessiveness and devotion as its main
values, could not be left out. The version of In most cases the word for word translations and
Swami Prabhupāda is very extensive covering grammatical directions of Śrīla A.C.
some 2400 pages of plain fine printed text, Bhaktivedānta Swami Prabhupāda/ISKCON,
including his commentaries. And that were only Viṣvanātha Cakravarti Ṭhākura and C.L.
the first ten Cantos. The remaining two Cantos Goswami, M.A., Sāstrī, have been followed as
were posthumously published by his pupils in the they were used in their translations, and I have
full of his spirit. I thus was faced with two daring checked them with the help of the
challenges: one was to concatenate the text, or Monier-Williams Sanskrit Dictionary (see the file
make a readable running narrative, of the book of the terms used). In footnotes and between
that had been dissected and commented to the square brackets [ ] sometimes a little comment and
single word, and the second challenge was to put it extra info is given to accommodate the reader
into a language that would befit the 21st century when the original text is drawing from a more
with all its modern and postmodern experience experienced approach. Terms in italics are
and digital progress of the present cultural order of explained in the glossary (the lexicon). On the
the world, without losing anything of its original internetsite bhagavata.org of this book, my version
verses. Thus another verse to verse as-it-is directly refers to the version of Prabhupāda, by
translation came about in which Viṣvanātha's, being linked up at each verse, so that it is possible
Prabhupāda's and Sāstrī's words were pruned, to retrace at any moment what I have done with
retranslated and set to the understanding and the text. This is in accordance with the scientific
realization of today. This realization in my case tradition of the Vaishnava community.
originated first of all directly from the disciplic
line of succession of the Vaishnava line of For the copyright, on this translation and the
ācāryas, as also from the complete field of the podcast spoken version of the book, has been
Indian philosophy of enlightenment, liberation and chosen the so-called Creative Commons
yoga discipline, as was brought to the West by Attribution Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0
also non-Vaishnava gurus and maintained by their Unported License. This means that one is free to
pupils. Therefore I have to express my gratitude to copy, distribute and alter the text on the condition
all these great heroes who dared to face the of attribution (refer to the name of Anand Aadhar
adamantine of western philosophy with all its and to my website address bhagavata.org), that
doubts, concreticism and skepticism. Especially the resulting work can only be distributed under
the pupils of Prabhupāda, members of the the same or similar license to this one, and that
!
one cannot use the text for commercial purposes.

For all other usage one will have to contact the
translator. Donations are welcome!
With love and devotion,

Anand Aadhar Prabhu,
Enschede, The Netherlands, September
16, 2020.
!
Canto 1 7
Chapter 1
Questions by the Sages
(1) Let there be the salutation of the original

appearance of Him, Vāsudeva, the Fortunate One,
from whom, being present here and in the beyond,
for the purpose of recollection and full
independence, the Vedic knowledge was imparted
in the heart of the first created being [Lord
Brahmā]. About Him the enlightened [as surely
also the ordinary] souls are, like with a mirage of
water to the [fire of the] sun, in a state of illusion
wherein, through the action and reaction of the
modes of material nature, there is the [apparent]
certainty of the factual. I meditate upon Him who
is always self-sufficient, the transcendental
[supreme and absolute] truth and the negation free
from illusion.
(2) In this book deceitful religiosity [of ulterior

motives] is rejected. One finds in it the highest that with the stories and historical records, are said
can be comprehended by selfless, truth-loving to be well versed in the religious scriptures that
people. Herein that is offered what factually you explained as well. (7) As the eldest of the
implies the well-being that uproots the threefold scholars of the Vedas you know Vyāsadeva, the
miseries [as caused by oneself, others and by Lord among them - and Sūta, you know also the
nature]. What would be the need of other stories other ones well versed in physical and
when one finds in this book the beautiful story of metaphysical knowledge. (8) Pure and simple
the Fortunate One that was compiled by the great natured, you because of their grace are well-
sage [Vyāsadeva] which, with the help of the pious informed concerning all the matters in question;
ones who are diligently of service, forthwith spiritual masters [after all] will confide to a
establishes the Controller in the heart. (3) It is the submissive disciple all the secrets they know. (9)
ripened fruit from the desire tree of the Vedic Being blessed therefore with a long life, please
literatures that flowing from the lips of Śukadeva tell us in simple terms from your heart of
manifested as sweet nectar perfect in every way. goodness what you could ascertain to be the
Oh you expert and thoughtful ones delighting in absolute and ultimate good that all people
devotion, ever relish the home of the Śrīmad deserve. (10) In general, oh honorable one, the
Bhāgavatam! people in this age of Kali are lazy, misguided,
unlucky and above all disturbed. (11) There are
(4) In the forest of Naimiṣāraṇya, a spot favored many scriptures with as many prescribed duties
by Viṣṇu, sages headed by the sage Śaunaka that each separately demand attention.
performed a thousand-year sacrifice for the Lord Therefore, oh sage, tell us for the good of all
of heaven and the devotees on earth. (5) One living beings what, to the best of your
morning, burning the sacrificial fire, the sages knowledge, would be the essence that satisfies
asked with due respect Śrīla Sūta Gosvāmī, who the soul. (12) You are blessed Sūta because you
was offered a seat of honor, the following: (6) know the purpose for which the Supreme One,
"You, free from all vice as you are and familiar the protector of the devotees, appeared in the
!
womb of Devakī as the son of Vasudeva. (13) time and again. (20) In the guise of a human being
Please Sūta you should, according to the He with Balarāma [His elder brother] was of a
tradition, tell us who are aching for it about His superhuman performance. (21) Knowing of the
incarnation for the good and upliftment of all onset of the Age of Kali, we for a longer period
living beings. (14) Entangled in the have assembled to sacrifice here at this place
complications of birth and death we will find reserved for the devotees and take time to listen to
liberation even if we are not fully aware engaged the stories about the Lord. (22) We by providence
in respecting the name of the Lord who is feared have met your goodness who can help us, as a
by fear itself. (15) Oh Sūta, those who have taken captain on a ship, through this insurmountable age
shelter of the lotus feet of the great sages who are of Kali that constitutes such a threat to one's good
absorbed in devotion immediately find purification qualities. (23) Please tell us to whom we should
by simply associating with them, whereas such turn to take shelter now the Lord of Yoga, Śrī
purification with the water of the Ganges is only Kṛṣṇa, who is the Absolute Truth and the protector
achieved when one cultivates it. (16) Is there of the religion, has left for His abode."
anyone eager for liberation who would not rather
want to hear about the Lord His worshipable,
Chapter 2
Divinity and Divine Service
(1) Delighted with the correct questions of the

sages there, the son of Romaharṣana [Sūta] began
with his reply after thanking them for their words.
(2) Sūta said: "He [Śukadeva] who went away to
live with the renounced order without the
prescribed ceremony of reform of the sacred
thread, made Vyāsadeva, being afraid of the
separation exclaim: 'Oh my son!', and all the
trees and all living beings responded
sympathizing in the heart of the sage. (3) Let me
offer my obeisances to him [the son of Vyāsa]
who, as the only transcendental torchlight in
desiring to overcome the darkness of material
existence of materialistic men, assimilated the
cream of the Vedas and out of his causeless mercy,
as the master of the sages, conveyed this very
confidential supplement to the Vedas, this Purāṇa.
(4) After first offering one's obeisances to Nara-
virtuous deeds and glories as the sanctifier for the
Nārāyaṇa, the [Lord as the] super most human
Age of Quarrel [Kali]? (17) He is hailed by the
being, the goddess of learning [Sarasvatī] and
great souls for His transcendental glories. Please
Vyāsadeva, let then everything [contained in this
tell us, eager believers, about the pastimes of His
book] be announced that is needed for conquering
descend in time. (18) Describe for that reason to
[māyā, the power of illusion].
us, oh sagacious one, the auspicious adventures
and pastimes of the multiple incarnations of the
Supreme Controller's personal energies. (19) We (5) Oh sages, your questions for me about Kṛṣṇa
who know to appreciate the taste are never tired of are of relevance for the welfare of the world
continually praying and hearing about the because they satisfy the true self. (6) That duty no
adventures of The One Glorified that delight us doubt is for mankind the highest, of which there is
!
Canto 1 9
the causeless, uninterrupted devotional service serving the Supreme Lord with transcendental
unto Kṛṣṇa as the One in the Beyond [Viṣṇu] that prayers, irrevocably loving service will come
leads to the full satisfaction of the soul. (7) The about. (19) Not being affected by the effects of
practice of connecting oneself in devotion unto passion and ignorance such as lust, greed and all
Vāsudeva, the Personality of Godhead, very soon of that, one's consciousness will be fixed in
leads to the detachment and spiritual knowledge goodness and at that moment find happiness. (20)
that relies on its own power. (8) What people do In touch with the devotional service of the Lord
according to their societal positions, is useless thus being cleared, the mind, liberated because of
labor leading nowhere, if it does not lead to the the association, then becomes effective in the
message of Viṣvaksena [Kṛṣṇa as the highest knowledge of wisdom regarding the Fortunate
authority]. (9) One's occupational activities are One. (21) Seeing the [true] self that way as being
certainly meant for ultimate liberation and not for the master, the knot in the heart is cut to pieces,
the end of material gain, neither is, according to all doubts end and the chain of materially
the sages, the material progress of the dutiful ones motivated actions [karma] is terminated. (22)
in devotional service meant for the attainment of Therefore all transcendentalists have always
sense-gratification. (10) One should not long so delighted in the service of Kṛṣṇa - it enlivens the
much for sense-gratification, profit and livelihood, soul. (23) The ultimate benefit of the
one's activities are there for no other purpose than Transcendental Personality, who is associated with
inquiring after the Absolute Truth. (11) The the qualities of material nature of goodness,
learned souls say that the reality of nondual passion and ignorance and with the maintainer
knowledge is known as Brahman, Paramātmā and Viṣṇu, the creator Brahmā and the destroyer Śiva,
Bhagavān [the impersonal, localized and personal the human being of course finds in the form of
aspect]. (12) Sages [and devotees] well equipped goodness [Viṣṇu]. (24) The way we have the
with knowledge and detachment who are full of firewood of sacrifices stemming from the earth
belief, will perceive within their heart and soul producing smoke once being set afire, so we also
[that reality] according to their understanding of have passion stemming from ignorance leading to
what they heard [or read about] in their devotion. the goodness from which the essential nature is
(13) This is how the human being, oh best of the realized.
twice-born souls, by pleasing the Lord achieves
the highest perfection with his own dutifulness (25) Whoever follows the sages who in the past
according to the divisions of status and vocation thus rendered service to the transcendental Lord
[varnāśrama]. (14) One should therefore with a above the three modes of nature, deserves the
one-pointed mind constantly hear about, glorify, same benefit. (26) It is the reason why those who
remember and worship the Supreme Lord, the desire liberation reject the less attractive forms of
protector of the devotees. (15) Who would not the demigods and without any envy worship the
attend to this message of intelligently many forms of the all-blissful Śrī Viṣṇu
remembering the Lord that offers one the sword [Nârâyaṇa]. (27) Those who are ignorant and of
for cutting through the bonds of materially passion, desire glory, power and progeny and are
motivated labor [karma]? (16) One who attentively of worship for forefathers and other beings of
listens in rendering service to pure devotees dear cosmic control in the same category of their
scholars, will be purified from all vice and develop preference. (28-29) But Vāsudeva is the object of
taste for the message of Vāsudeva. (17) Those Vedic knowledge, the purpose of the sacrifices and
who developed this hearing of Kṛṣṇa's words will the path of yoga, Vāsudeva is the controller of all
find virtue listening and singing and will certainly material activity, the highest knowledge, the
in their hearts see their desire to enjoy purified by strictest austerity, the best quality, the supreme
the benefactor of the truthful souls. (18) By dharma and the ultimate goal of life. (30) From
regularly being of service to the bhāgavata [the the beginning of the manifestation He, by His
pure devotee] and the Bhāgavatam, as good as all internal potency, has been the cause and effect of
that is inauspicious will be destroyed and thus all forms and the transcendental Absolute of the
!
modes of nature. (31) Although He, manifesting of the Original Person[: the integrity of the
by the modes, having entered them appears to be material realm] composed of the sixteen elements
affected by the modes, He is the full [of the ten knowing and working senses, the mind
manifestation of all wisdom. (32) He, as the and the five elements] and the cosmic intelligence
Supersoul, pervades all living beings as the source and such. (2) Resting in His meditative slumber in
of creation like fire does in wood and shines forth that water, out of the lotus that spread from the
as different living entities, at the same time being lake of His navel, Brahmā became manifest, the
the Absolute Person. (33) That Supersoul, created master of the progenitors in the universe. (3) One
the subtle senses influenced by the modes of supposes the different worlds [as expansions] to
nature by entering the living beings in His own be part of the form of the Fortunate One that
creation, causing them to enjoy those modes. (34) constitutes the excellence of the purest existence.
Thus He maintains all of them in the mode of (4) In a perfect [spiritual] vision His form is seen
goodness, being incarnated Himself in the as having numerous legs, thighs, arms and faces,
performance of His pastimes as the master of all with wonderful heads, ears, eyes and noses, all
the worlds of the divine, human and animalistic glowing with countless garlands, earrings and
beings." dresses. (5) This source of the multifarious
incarnations is the imperishable seed from which
the plenary portions originate as also the portions
thereof such as the gods, the human beings and
Chapter 3 the animals."
Kṛṣṇa is the Source of All Incarnations
(1) Sūta said: "In the beginning the Supreme Lord (6) "The first position the godhead [Nārāyaṇa]
created was that 0f the sons of Brahmā [the
assumed, for the creation of the worlds, the form
Kum ā ras] who performed the most difficult
discipline of continuous celibacy. (7) The Supreme
Enjoyer secondly assumed the form of a boar for
the welfare of the earth that had sunken to the
lowest regions and lifted her up [from the ocean].
(8) Thirdly He accepted His presence among the
seers [in the form of Nārada Muni] for the sake of
evolving the Vedic knowledge concerning the
performance of devotional service free from
material motives. (9) Fourth born as the twin sons
of [Mūrti] the wife of king Dharma He in the form
of Nara-Nārāyaṇa subjected Himself to severe
penances to attain control over the senses. (10)
Fifth He, carrying the name of Kapila, gave an
exposition to the brahmin Āsuri on the nature of
metaphysics and the elements of creation, because
in the course of time that knowledge had been lost.
(11) Sixth as the son of Atri [named Dattātreya]
being born from Anasūyā who prayed for Him, He
lectured to Alarka, Prahlāda and others about
transcendence. (12) Seventh being born from
Ākūti as Yajña, the son of Prajāpati Ruci, He
together with His son Yama and other
demigods, ruled during the period of
Svāyambhuva Manu [and became the Indra]. (13)
!
Canto 1 11
Eighth, from the wife of King Nābhi, Merudevī, name of Kalki will take birth as the son of Viṣṇu
the Almighty Lord took birth as King Ṛṣabha and Yaśā." [**]
showed the path of perfection respected by people
of all stages of life. (14) His ninth incarnation He (26) "Dear brahmins, the incarnations of the Lord
accepted in response to the prayers of the sages, who appeared from the ocean of goodness are as
whereupon He [as Pṛthu] ruled the earth for the innumerable as the thousands of streams we have
sake of collecting ['milking'] her produces, which from inexhaustible sources of water. (27) All the
made her most attractive. (15) Assuming the form powerful sages, the godly souls, the Manus and
of a fish [Mātsya], He after the period of Cākṣuṣa their progeny as also the Prajāpatis [the founding
Manu protected Vaivasvata Manu, keeping him in fathers] are aspects of the Lord. (28) They are all
a boat afloat the waters when the world was part of - or plenary portions of - Kṛṣṇa, the
deeply inundated. (16) Eleventh the Mighty Lord Supreme Lord [Bhagavān] in person who offers
in the form of a tortoise [Kurma] sustained the protection during all ages and in all worlds against
Mandarācala Hill of the theists and atheists that disturbances because of the enemies of the king of
served as a pivot in the ocean. (17) Twelfth He heaven [Indra]. (29) Anyone who in the morning
appeared as Dhanvantari [Lord of medicine] and and the evening carefully recites these mysterious
thirteenth He appeared before the atheists as an births of the Lord, will find relief from all miseries
alluring beautiful woman and gave nectar to the of life. (30) All these forms of the Lord that by the
demigods. (18) In His fourteenth incarnation He, qualities of the material energy were created with
half as a Lion, appeared as Nṛsimha, who with His the ingredients of the cosmic intelligence and
nails on His lap tore apart the king of the atheists other elements, originated from His Self-
like a carpenter splitting cane. (19) Fifteenth He awareness that is without a form. (31) They are
assumed the form of Vāmana [the dwarf there for the less intelligent observer to be
brāhmana] who went to the arena of sacrifice of perceived the way one sees clouds in the sky or
Mahārāja Bali to beg for only three steps of land, dust in the air. (32) This unmanifested Self in the
concealing His wish to regain the three worlds. beyond that cannot be seen or heard and has no
(20) In His sixteenth incarnation He [as Bhṛgupati form that is affected by the modes of nature,
or Paraśurāma] saw that the ruling class was constitutes the reality of the subtle self [of the
hostile towards the brahmins and acted twenty-one individual soul] who takes birth repeatedly. (33)
times against them. (21) Seeing that the common As soon as one by self-knowledge arrives at the
people were less intelligent He, seventeenth, rejection of all these gross and subtle forms that
incarnated as Vyāsadeva taking birth from impose themselves on the soul because of
Satyavatī with Parāśara Muni as His father, for the ignorance, one arrives at the realization of the
purpose of dividing the desire tree of the Veda into Absolute Truth. (34) With the illusory energy
several branches. (22) Next He performed in a subsided one is endowed with the full knowledge
superhuman way having assumed the form of a of enlightenment so that one thus being mindful
divine human being [Rāma], by controlling the will be situated in one's own glory. (35) This is
Indian Ocean and such, so that He could act for how the scholars arrived at the description of the
the sake of the godly souls. (23) Nineteenth as also birth and activities of the actually unborn and non-
twentieth Bhagavān took birth in the Vṛṣṇi family engaged Lord of the Heart; it is the hidden
as Balarāma and Kṛṣṇa and thus removed the meaning of the Vedas. (36) Residing within every
burden from the world. (24) Thereafter at the living being He is the omnipotent master and
beginning of the Age of Kali He shall appear in witness of the six qualities [the six objects of the
Gayā [Bihar] as the son of [mother] Añjanā with senses and the mind] and opulences [bhaga],
the name Buddha for the purpose of deluding the whose play is spotless, who is independent and not
ones envious of the theists [*]. (25) Next, at the affected by creation, destruction and maintenance.
conjunction of two yugas [this one and the next], (37) Because of His expert manipulations His
when there is hardly a ruler to be found who is not activities, names and forms cannot be understood
a plunderer, the Lord of the Creation, carrying the by the speculations and speeches of those with a
!
poor fund of knowledge, just like fools cannot

understand an actor's performance. (38) Only he
who renders unconditional, uninterrupted,
favorable service to His fragrant lotus feet may
know the transcendental glories of the all-
powerful Creator with the wheel of the chariot in
His hand. (39) When one in this world succeeds in
thus being cognizant with the Personality of
Godhead who embraces all His universes as their
Lord and who inspires for the complete of the
spirit of ecstasy, one will never again have to
experience there the dreadful repetition [of
births]."
(40) "This book called the Bhāgavatam about the

activities of the One Hailed in the Verses [the
Fortunate One, the Supreme Personality of
Godhead Kṛṣṇa and His devotees] that as a
supplement to the Vedas [a Purāṇa] was compiled
by the seer of God [Vyāsadeva], is there for the
ultimate good of bringing success, happiness and
perfection to all people. (41) This story, that as the
cream from all the Vedic literatures and histories
was extracted by Śrīla Vyāsadeva, he delivered to
his son who is the most respectable one among the
self-realized souls. (42) He [S'uka] in his turn told **: In canto 2 chapter 7 there is also a discussion
it to emperor Parīkṣit who surrounded by the of the avatāras of the Supreme Personality. In this
greatest sages sat down at the Ganges to fast until abbreviated list in this chapter Vyāsadeva is
his death. (43) Now that Kṛṣṇa has left for His mentioned as the seventeenth incarnation before
abode and with Him also proper conduct and the one of Rāma, while he is mentioned in 2.7
spiritual insight have vanished, this Purāṇa bright after the appearance of Kṛṣṇa. The chronological
as the sun has appeared at the horizon for the sake order of the position of Vyāsa seems to be odd
of everyone who in the Age of Quarrel [Kali-yuga] here, for, as a contemporary of Kṛṣṇa, his
has lost his vision. (44) Oh brahmins, when the incarnation would have taken place after the one
story was recited there by that powerful great of Rāma. But sometimes great incarnations are
sage, I, being perfectly attentive by his mercy, also presented as eternal personalities appearing in
managed to understand it, so that I will now relate different times and ages with the same name.
it to you also, exactly as I learned it free from
deviations by my own mind."
*: The paramparā adds here that even though Chapter 4

Lord Buddha rejected Vedic knowledge and the The Appearance of Śrī Nārada
Supreme Lord, that was just an act of camouflage
He engaged in because of those who were envious (1) The elderly and learned Śaunaka, the head of
of the devotees. "Both Lord Buddha and Ācārya the long-standing ceremony the sages were
Śankara paved the path of theism, and Vaishnava gathered for, congratulated Sūta Gosvāmī and said
ācāryas, specifically Lord Śrī Caitanya the following to him: (2) "Oh most fortunate one
Mahāprabhu, led the people on the path towards a of those who are respected to speak, please tell us
realization of going back to Godhead." about the message of the Bhāgavatam the way it
!
Canto 1 13
was discussed by Śukadeva Gosvāmī. (3) When, the daughter of Vasu [Satyavatī]. (15) One
where, on what ground and wherefrom inspired morning when the sun globe rose above the
could this literature be compiled by sage horizon he, after being cleansed by the water of
Vyāsadeva? (4) His son, who, being equipoised his morning duties, sat down at the bank of the
and unwavering, always had his mind fixed on the river Sarasvatī to focus his mind. (16) The ṛṣi
One, was a great devotee and an awakened soul, knowing the past and future, saw that gradually
but unexposed he appeared to be ignorant. (5) irregularities were developing in the dharma of his
Naked bathing beauties covered their bodies out of time. It was something that can be observed more
shyness when they once saw sage Vyāsa in clothes often in the different eras on earth as a
following his son, whereas they astonishingly by consequence of unseen, irresistible forces. (17-18)
him being asked about his son replied that [they The sage with his infallible eye of knowledge
did not feel ashamed before him because] he noticed that the common man was unlucky and
looked at them purely without any sexual short-lived and that, with the dullness and
discrimination. (6) How was he [Śuka], appearing impatience of faithless people lacking in
like a retarded dumb madman as he wandered goodness, the natural capacity - the talent - of all
through the Kuru-jāngala provinces, recognized by types of men as also of other creatures was
the inhabitants of Hastināpura [now: Delhi] the declining. Therefore the muni with his
moment he reached the city? (7) How could the transcendental vision contemplated on what would
discussion covering this Vedic truth [about Kṛṣṇa], benefit the welfare of all vocations and stages in
oh dear soul, take place between the saint and the life. (19) According to the insight that there were
descendant of Pāṇḍu, the wise king? (8) He, as a four sacrificial fires for purifying the work effort
pilgrim sanctifying the places he visits, stayed at of the people, he divided the one original Veda into
the door of the householders only for the time it four divisions for the sake of the continuation of
takes to milk a cow. (9) Please tell us about the sacrificial activities. (20) Ṛg, Yajuh, Sāma and
Parīkṣit, the son of Abhimanyu, who is said to be a Atharva were the names of the four separate Vedas
first-class devotee whose birth and activities are while the Itihāsas [the single histories] and the
all wonderful. (10) For what reason did the Purāṇas [the collections of histories] were called
emperor, who was an honor to the name of Pāṇḍu, the fifth Veda. (21) The Ṛg Veda thereupon was
neglect the opulences of his kingdom and sat propagated by the ṛṣi Paila, the Sāma Veda by the
down at the Ganges to do penance until his death? learned Jaimini, while Vaiśampāyana was the only
(11) Oh why did he, at whose feet all enemies one versed enough to qualify for the defense of the
surrendered their wealth for their own sake, in the Yajur Veda. (22) Angirā - also called Sumantu
prime of his life give up his so difficult to Muni - in his formidable devotion took care of the
relinquish life of royal riches? (12) Men devoted Atharva Veda while the Itihāsas and the Purāṇas
to the One Hailed in the Verses, live for the were defended by my father Romaharṣana. (23)
welfare, the affluence and prosperity of all living All these scholars in their turn distributed the
beings and not for any selfish purpose; for what knowledge entrusted to them to their disciples who
reason relinquished he, freed from all attachment, did the same with their following who also did that
his mortal body that was the shelter for others? with their pupils, and thus the different branches of
(13) Explain to us clearly all that we asked you followers of the Vedas came about. (24) In order to
about this subject, for we consider you fully assure that the Veda would be assimilated as much
acquainted with all the meanings of the words in by the less intellectual people, the great sage
the scriptures, except for those of the Vedic Vyāsa, the Lord in these matters, took care to edit it
hymns." for the ignorant ones. (25) For the sake of the
women [see 6.9: 6 & 9], the working class and the
(14) Sūta Gosvāmī said: "When Dvāpara-yuga friends of the twice-born for whom, in case of a
had entered its third [last] phase [*] and the age lesser intelligence, this knowledge is not
expired, the sage [Vyāsa], a partial expansion of accessible, the sage was as merciful to write down
the Lord, was begotten by Parāśara in the womb of the story of the Mahābhārata, so that they also
!
could succeed in the performance of their duties. learned wise. (2) He said: 'Oh greatly fortunate
son of Parāśara, is it so that you find the
(26) Dear brahmins, thus always being engaged in satisfaction of your soul by identifying yourself
working for the welfare of all living beings, he in with your body and mind? (3) You have done your
his heart nevertheless at that time by no means full enquiries and being well versed, you have
could be satisfied. (27) In seclusion being purified, prepared the great and wonderful Mahābhārata to
residing at the bank of the Sarasvatī, he thought which you have added your extensive
about it and, knowing the dharma, therefore from explanations. (4) Despite your investigations and
the dissatisfaction of his heart said to himself: the knowledge you acquired about the Absolute
(28-29) "Strictly adhering to my vows, I sincerely and Eternal, you, dear master, lament not having
was of proper worship and also respected the done enough for the purpose of the soul.'
spiritual masters in my performance of the
sacrifices according to the traditional Vedic (5) Vyāsa said: 'All you have said is certainly true,
instructions. Even for women, the working class my heart is still not satisfied with it. What is the
and others I, by compiling the Mahābhārata, have root I have missed, I ask you who originated from
properly explained what according to the disciplic the self-born one [Brahmā] as a man of unlimited
succession should be stated about the path of knowledge. (6) As a devotee of the Oldest Person,
religion. (30) Despite, so it seems, having been the Lord of the material and spiritual world, who
complete in relation to the glory of the Absolute from His mind only, elevated above the qualities
Truth in my discussion of the Supreme Soul as of material nature, creates and destroys the
being situated in the body, and even having universe, you have all-inclusive, confidential
discussed my own self, I feel something is knowledge. (7) Just as the sun you travel the three
missing. (31) I might not have given sufficient worlds and thereby penetrate everyone's heart as
directions about the devotional service so dear to the self-realized witness, like being the all-
the perfect souls and the Infallible One.' pervading ether. Can you please search out what
the deficiency is in my, with discipline and vow
(32) While Kṛṣṇa Dvaipāyana Vyāsa thus being absorbed in the Absolute concerning matters
regretfully thought about his shortcomings, of cause and effect, spirit and matter?'
Nārada, as I stated before, reached his cottage.
(33) Seeing the great fortune of it, he quickly got (8) Śrī Nārada said: 'You hardly praised the glories
up to honor him with the same respect the godly of the Fortunate One who is spotless and who, I
souls offer to Brahmājī, the creator." gather, is not really pleased by that lesser vision.
(9) Although you, great sage, repeatedly have
*: Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhakura remarks in his written for the sake of the four virtues of religion
Sārārtha-darśinī commentary here: "All yugas are [dharma, artha, kāma, mokṣa or righteousness,
divided into three parts: the beginning portion economy, sense gratification and liberation], you
(sandhyā-rūpa), the middle portion (yuga-rūpa) have not been doing so for the sake of Vāsudeva.
and the end portion (sandhyāmśa-rūpa)." (10) Hardly using the flowery language that
describes the glories of the Lord who sanctifies the
universe, is something the saintly souls think of as
an engagement for crows, not as something
Chapter 5 desirable appreciated by swans [those perfect in
Nārada's Instructions on Śrīmad transcendence]. (11) That creation of words
Bhāgavatam for Vyāsadeva revolutionizing the sins of the people in which,
although imperfectly composed, each verse depicts
the names and glories of the unlimited Lord, is
(1) Sūta said: "Then comfortably seated next to heard, sung and accepted by those who are purified
him, the ṛṣi of God of great renown who has a and honest. (12) Despite self-realization free from
vīnā in his hands, with a faint smile addressed the material motives, transcendental knowledge of
!
Canto 1 15
sufficient purity does not look good without any happiness, behave wisely with Him, deserve
love for the Infallible One. What good will it bring [though] to understand the unlimited
to work time and again troublesome for a result transcendental, all-powerful Lord. Therefore
when one fails to serve the Lord with it? That is please, your goodness, show to those who, being
inauspicious and leads nowhere! (13) You caught in the clutches of the natural qualities are
therefore as a highly fortunate, spotless and estranged from the true self, the activities of the
famous, perfect seer dedicated to the truth and Almighty One.
fixed in vows, should, from your transcendental
position, for the sake of liberation from universal (17) Someone who has forsaken his occupational
bondage think about and describe Him whose duties in order to serve the Lord's lotus feet may
actions are supernatural. fall down in that position because of a lack of
experience. But what inauspiciousness would
(14) Whatever perspective one describes separate happen to someone who as a non-devotee is
from [Him], misses its purpose and will only lead engaged in his occupational service and obtains
to names and forms that agitate the mind, like a nothing of his [real] interest? (18) The
boat that is taken by the wind from its place. (15) philosophically inclined should for that reason
Instructions for the sake of religion are disliked, endeavor only for this [spiritual fulfillment] that is
they are most unreasonable in relation to the not so much found by searching from high to low,
natural inclinations. By what you instructed about for material fulfillment - countered by miseries - is
the dharma one became fixed on other matters, not in the course of the time that operates so subtly,
giving thought to that what you like to prevent. found anyhow as a result of one's actions. (19)
(16) They who, having retired from material Sooner or later inevitably failing someway, the
!
devotee has a different experience than others: were chanted by the sages, my devotional service
once he in his material life acquired the taste he, sprouted because of those great souls, while the
remembering the feet of the Lord of Liberation [influence of] the qualities of passion and
that he embraced, will never want to give it up. ignorance receded. (29) As an obedient boy free
(20) From the goodness of your self you know that from sins I, because of those believers being
all of this cosmos is the Lord Himself, even attached to Him, strictly following thus managed
though He differs from it. He constitutes the to subjugate [my senses]. (30) When these
beginning, the existence and the end of creation; I devotees so full of care for the distressed souls
am only summarizing it for you. (21) Please give a left, they were as merciful to instruct me in this
true-to-life description of the pastimes of Him most confidential knowledge directly propounded
who is the Greatest Mercy. From the perfect vision by the Lord Himself. (31) Thus I could easily
of your own soul, you are capable of searching out grasp what the influence is of the deluding
the Transcendent Personality of the Supersoul material energy of the Supreme Personality of
from whom you are a plenary portion and for Godhead, Vāsudeva, the supreme creator, and how
whom you - of an unborn nature - have taken one can reach His refuge.
birth, for the sake of the well-being of the entire
(32) Oh learned one, it is said that to dedicate
world. (22) The acknowledged scholars all agree
one's actions to the Personality of Godhead, the
that the unmistakable purpose of everyone's
Supreme Lord, is the remedy for the threefold
austerities, study, sacrifice, spiritual education,
misery [the kleśas] of life. (33) Oh good soul, is it
advancement of intelligence and charity is found
not so that the cure for whatever diseases the
in following the descriptions of the transcendental
living being may have is found in the medical
qualities of the Lord Praised in the Verses.
treatment of that what caused the disease? (34)
The same way all actions of man that are directed
(23) Oh sage, in the previous millennium I took at a material[-istic] existence, will put an end to
birth from a maidservant of certain adherents of those same actions when one manages to dedicate
the Veda. I, only a boy, was engaged in the service them to the Transcendence. (35) Whatever one
of these yoga practitioners when I lived together does in this world to please the Lord, including the
with them during the months of the rainy season. spiritual knowledge associated with it, is
(24) Despite their impartiality towards believers, considered bhakti yoga [the yoga of devotion].
these followers of wisdom were merciful unto me, (36) When one continuously performs one's duties
an obedient, well-mannered, self-controlled and according to the instructions of the Fortunate One,
silent boy without much interest in games and one praises His qualities and constantly
sport. (25) When the twice-born souls once remembers the names of Śrī Kṛṣṇa. (37) 'All
allowed me to enjoy the remnants of their food, I glories to You, oh Supreme Lord, to You Vāsudeva
thereby was liberated from all my sins and upon whom we meditate, and our obeisances unto
manifested itself in my purified consciousness the [Your plenary portions] Pradyumna, Aniruddha
attraction to that dharma. (26) Thereafter I heard and Saṅkarṣaṇa.' (38) That person is of a perfect
every day the life of Kṛṣṇa being described. vision who thus with the sound form of this
Because of their support and respect for me, dear mantra worships the Lord Without a Material
Vyāsa, I managed to pay close attention and step Form, [Viṣṇu] the Original Person of Sacrifice.
by step develop my taste. (27) Oh great sage, as I (39) Oh brahmin, knowing this I, being engaged in
acquired the taste, my mind found continuity with this manner with His words, was endowed with
the Lord and acquired the insight that the complete spiritual knowledge, with His opulence and with
of the gross and subtle bewilderment that is mine, an intimate personal love for Keśava. (40) You
finds its order, its regulation, in the transcenden- then also, with your vast Vedic knowledge,
tality of the Absolute. (28) Thus for the time of describe the Almighty One in whom the sages
two seasons, autumn and the rainy season, always found satisfaction with their desire to
constantly hearing nothing but the glories that know. Do this to mitigate the suffering of the
!
Canto 1 17
masses of common people for whom there is no

other relief.' "
Chapter 6
The Conversation Between Nārada and
Vyāsadeva
(1) Sūta said: "After thus hearing from the great

sage among the gods about his birth and exploits,
sage Vyāsadeva, the son of Satyavatī, asked him
another question. (2) Vyāsa said: 'What did you do
after the mendicants had departed who instructed
you in wisdom before your present life began? (3)
Oh son of Brahmā, what were the conditions you
spent your life in after this initiation and how have
you, after in the course of time having abandoned
your body, achieved this body? (4) How could
you, oh great sage, remember all of this from a
previous period in any detail, is it not so that time
in the long run puts an end to all of this?'
(5) Śrī Nārada said: 'The great sages in my

previous life gave me the transcendental
knowledge I have at present and after they had
departed I did the following. (6) I was the only elephants pulling branches from the trees nearby
son of my mother who was a simple woman who delightful lakes and ponds full of the lotus flowers
worked as a maidservant. She had no one else, so aspired by the denizens of heaven - and my heart
that I as her offspring, was completely determined was pleased with the birds and the number of bees
by the emotional bond I had with her. (7) Although hovering about. (13) All alone, I passed through
she wanted to take care of me properly, she could impenetrable thickets of bamboo, reed, sharp grass
not do so because she, like everybody, was as and weeds, and reached deep and dangerous
dependent as a puppet on a string. (8) Being only forests that were the playground of snakes, owls
five years old, I attended the school of the and jackals. (14) Physically and mentally
brahmins and lived, depending on her, without exhausted, I, hungry and thirsty, took a bath and
having a clue about time, place and direction. (9) drank from the water of a lake from a river so that
When she once went out at night to milk a cow, I found relief from my fatigue. (15) In that
she was bitten in the leg by a snake on the path uninhabited forest I sought my refuge under a
and thus my poor mother fell victim of the banyan tree and emptied my mind, by focussing
supreme time. (10) I took it as a benediction of the upon the Supersoul present within myself, as I had
Lord who always wishes the best for His devotees, learned from the liberated souls. (16) Thus
and with that in mind I headed for the north. (11) meditating on the lotus feet of the Supreme
There I found many flourishing big and small Personality, all of my thinking, feeling and willing
towns and villages with farms, mineral and transformed into transcendental love. In my
agricultural fields in valleys with flower and eagerness tears rolled down my cheeks as I slowly
vegetable gardens and forests. (12) I saw hills and saw the Lord appearing in my heart. (17) Fully
mountains full of gold, silver and copper and overwhelmed by an excess of love and transfixed
!
in feelings of happiness all over my body, I, oh devastation, the Lord took me, with the creator
sage, being absorbed in an ocean of ecstasy, did and all, in with His breath. (30) A thousand ages
not see Him or myself any longer. (18) No longer later, when the creator was expired again, I
seeing the form of the Lord who removes all reappeared together with ṛṣis like Marīci. (31)
disparity from the mind, I all of a sudden Faithful to the vow [of yoga] traveling both within
perturbed got up like someone having lost the three worlds and in the beyond, I, because of
something desirable. (19) Desirous to experience the mercy of Mahā-Viṣṇu, am free to roam,
that again, I focussed all of my mind on the heart wherever and whenever I want. (32) I move
but saw Him not reappear despite my patient around, constantly singing the message of the
waiting and thus frustrated got very distraught. Lord, while I vibrate this transcendentally charged
(20) Trying and trying in that lonely place, I heard vīnā the Godhead has given me. (33) Singing thus
from the beyond pleasing words of gravity being soon, as if called for, the sight appears within my
spoken to me that mitigated my grief. (21) 'Listen, mind, of the Lord of the lotus feet whose actions
for as long as you live you will not get to see Me one gladly hears about. (34) I arrived at the insight
here, because for someone not completely united it that for those who are full of worries in their
is, with all impurities, difficult to acquire My continuous desire for the objects of the senses,
vision. (22) That form was only shown once to there is a boat to cross over the ocean of material
awaken your desire, oh virtuous one, for with the nescience: the repeated singing of the glories of
devotee's growing desire for Me, all lust will be the Lord. (35) Time and again with the discipline
driven from the heart. (23) By just a few days of yoga in self-restraint curbing lust and desire,
having been of service to the Absolute you have will certainly not be as satisfying for the soul as
attained a steady intelligence unto Me. In your the devotional service to the Personality of
[thus] forsaking this imperfect material world you Godhead. (36) Upon your request, I described to
[from now on will] head for - and are part of - My you who are free from sin, everything about the
associates. (24) The intelligence focussed on Me mysteries of my birth and activities, so as to serve
will not fail, whether the living being evolves or the satisfaction of both your soul and mine.' "
fades away, by My mercy there will be
remembrance.' (37) Sūta said: "After thus having addressed the
powerful sage, Nārada Muni took leave of the son
of Satyavatī and, vibrating his enchanting vīnā,
(25) Thus having spoken, that astounding and left for wherever he wanted. (38) All glory and
wonderful sound of the Unseen Lord in the sky success to the sage of the gods who takes pleasure
stopped. Grateful for His grace, I then bowed my in singing the glories of Him with the Śārnga [His
head in obeisance to Him, so great and glorious. bow] in His hands, and thus, with the help of his
(26) Free from perplexity exercising the holy instrument, enlivens the distressed universe."
name of the Unlimited One and constantly
remembering His mysterious and beneficial *: One may wonder how Kṛṣṇa can be mentioned
activities, I traveled the earth liberated from desire here as the one Nārada Muni learned to worship in
with a happy mind and awaited my time without his youth. Nārada Muni uses the name of Kṛṣṇa
any pride and envy. (27) Free from being attached here to address the manifestation of Viṣṇu not just
thus being absorbed in Kṛṣṇa [*], oh Vyāsadeva, for accommodating Vyāsa reflecting upon His life
in due course of time death came for me as natural and times, but also because of the omnipresence of
as lightning being accompanied by a flash. (28) Kṛṣṇa as the Supreme Lord of Creation in all
Having been awarded with a transcendental body times and eras, also the kalpa when Nārada was
befitting an associate of the Lord, I upon seeing instructed by the brahmin seers. Arjuna asked a
that my acquired karma had ended, quitted the question like this in the Bhagavad Gītā 4: 4
body that is composed of the five material whereupon He answered: 'There were many births
elements. (29) At the end of the worldly period of my character before, just as there are of you,
[kalpa] having laid Himself down in the waters of dear Arjuna, I know and identify myself with all of
!
Canto 1 19
does not know that in the

yoga of devotion unto
Him in the Beyond all
that is unwanted finds its
end, the sage [in this
book] compiled the
different stories relating
to the Absolute Truth. (7)
Simply listening to this
literature about the
Supreme Personality of
Kṛṣṇa, will give rise to
one's personal devotion
that takes away
lamentation, illusion and
fear. (8) After having
arranged that collection
of stories about the
Supreme Lord, the sage
taught it to his son Śuka,
them, but you apparently do not, oh victor of the engaged on the path of self-realization."
battle!"
(9) Śaunaka asked: "Why would he, always on the
path of self-realization being contented within and
Chapter 7 indifferent [about other matters], engage in such a
The Son of Droṇa Punished vast study?"
(1) Śrī Śaunaka said: "After the departure of (10) Sūta said: "Such are His wonderful qualities
Nārada Muni, what did the great lordship that even sages, freed from all bondage and taking
Vyāsadeva do, having heard from the great sage pleasure in the soul, are of pure devotional service
what he wanted to know?" unto Viṣṇu, Urukrama [the Lord of the Great
Steps]. (11) The powerful son of Vyāsa is beloved
(2) Sūta replied: "On the western bank of the by the devotees because he, in having taken up the
Sarasvatī where sages meditate, there is at regular study of this great narration, was always
Śamyāprāsa an āśrama for the promotion of absorbed in the transcendental quality of the
transcendental activities. (3) There Vyāsadeva sat Supreme Lord. (12) I shall now tell you the story
down, in his hermitage surrounded by berry trees, about the birth, activities and deliverance of King
to focus his mind after he had performed his water Parīkṣit, the sage among the kings, as also the
sacrifice. (4) With his mind connected in the story about how the sons of Pāṇḍu came to
devotion of yoga, he saw, free from material renounce the world. These stories lead to the
concerns perfectly being fixed, the complete of stories about Lord Kṛṣṇa.
both the Original Person [the Puruṣa] and the
external energy that depends on Him. (5) The (13-14) When on the battlefield of Kurukṣetra the
living entities bewildered because of the warriors of the Pāṇḍavas and the Kauravas had
conditioning of their bodies by the qualities of found their heroic fate and the son of King
nature take, despite their transcendental position, Dhṛtarāṣṭra [Duryodhana] was lamenting his
things not wanted for granted and undergo the broken thigh bones due to being beaten by the
reactions thereof. (6) For the common man, who club of Bhīma, the son of Droṇācārya
!
You are the Almighty One who

takes away the fears of the
devotees, You alone are the
path of liberation for those
who suffer in their material
existence. (23) You are the
transcendental, original enjoyer
and direct controller of the
material energy. You are the
one who, from within the bliss
and knowledge of Your Self, by
means of Your internal potency,
puts an end to the material
illusion. (24) From that position
You, in the heart of the
conditioned souls, exercise the
blessing of Your influence that
is characterized by [the
[Aśvatthāmā] thought that he could please his regulation of] dharma and the other civil virtues.
master Duryodhana by delivering the heads of the (25) Thus You incarnate in order to take away the
sleeping sons of Draupadī as a trophy. But the burden from the earth and to satisfy Your friends
master disapproved his heinous act. (15) The and pure devotees as the constant object of their
mother of the children [of the Pāṇḍavas], cried meditation. (26) Oh Lord of All Lords, I do not
aggrieved bitter tears when she heard about the know where this highly dangerous, dazzling light
massacre. Arjuna [who headed the Pāṇḍavas], spreading in all directions comes from.'
tried to pacify her and said: (16) 'I can only wipe
the tears from your eyes, my dearest, when the (27) The Supreme Lord said: 'Know that this is
head of that degraded brahmin aggressor is caused by the son of Droṇa who, faced with his
severed by the arrows of my bow Gāndīva. I will pending death, launched the brahmāstra without
present it to you so that you can place your foot on knowing how to retract it. (28) Nothing else can
it, taking a bath after the cremation of your counter this weapon but another one; you will
sons.' (17) Satisfying her with this choice of words have to fight the immense glare of this weapon
Arjuna, with the Infallible One as his driver and with your martial art, by engaging the power of
friend, fully armed and equipped ascended his your own weapon.' "
chariot to persue Aśvatthāmā, the son of his
martial teacher. (18) When he from a distance saw (29) Sūta said: "After hearing what the Supreme
him in hot pursuit, the child murderer fearing for Lord said, the killer of the other warrior, Arjuna,
his life fled with his chariot in great speed, just sipped water himself while circumambulating the
like Brahmā [and also Sūrya] did when he fled Lord, and launched his brahmāstra. (30) The
from Śiva [*]. (19) Finding himself unprotected combined glare of the two colliding weapons
the moment his horses got tired, [Aśvatthāmā] the thereupon covered heaven, earth and the space in
brahmin son, for his defense resorted to the between with an expanding ball of fire as bright as
ultimate weapon [the brahmāstra]. (20) With his the sun. (31) When the inhabitants of the three
life in danger, he touched water and concentrated worlds saw how the heat of the two weapons
to recite the mantras, even though he did not know scorched them severely, it reminded them of the
how to stop the process. (21) Arjuna saw a life fire of annihilation at the end of time
threatening, fiercely glaring light spreading in all [sāmvartaka]. (32) Realizing the disturbance it all
directions, whereupon he turned to the Lord [who created for the common people and their worlds,
drove his chariot] and said: (22) 'Kṛṣṇa, oh Kṛṣṇa, Arjuna then retracted, to the wish of Vāsudeva,
!
Canto 1 21
both the weapons. (33) Arjuna thereupon, angered did not follow her husband into death [by means
with eyes red as copper, arrested the dangerous of satī]. (46) Therefore, oh most fortunate one in
son of Gautamī, binding him skillfully with ropes knowing the dharma, by the goodness that is in
like he was an animal. (34) After he with force had you, cause no grief to this ever respectable and
bound the enemy and was about to take him to the honorable family. (47) Do not make his mother,
military camp, the Supreme Lord, who saw it with Droṇa's devoted wife, cry the way I do, in my
His lotus eyes, said to the angered Arjuna: (35) constantly shedding tears in distress over a lost
'Never let this relative of the scholars go, punish child. (48) If the noble administration is of no
him immediately, for he has killed innocent boys restraint in relating to the brahminical order and
in their sleep. (36) Someone who knows the enrages them, that rule will burn up in no time
principles of religion does not kill an enemy who and land in grief together with its family
is careless, intoxicated, insane, asleep, of tender members.' "
age, a woman, foolish, a surrendered soul, afraid
or who has lost his chariot. (37) But someone who (49) Sūta said: "Dear brahmins, the king [of the
shameless and cruel thinks he can maintain Pāṇḍavas, Yudhiṣṭhira] supported the statements
himself at the cost of others' lives, deserves it to be of the queen, for they were in accord with the
stopped in his tracks for his own good, to prevent dharma, just and merciful, glorious without
the person from landing in hell because of that duplicity and partiality. (50) And so did Nakula
fault. (38) Also I personally heard you make the and Sahadeva [the younger brothers of the king]
promise to the daughter of the King of Pāñcāla: 'I and also Sātyaki, Arjuna, the Supreme Lord the
will bring you the head of the one you consider the son of Devakī, including the ladies and others.
murderer of your sons.' (39) He, not being more (51) Thereupon Bhīma said indignantly: 'It is well
than the burned ashes of his family, an offending known that he who without a good reason, neither
sinner who is responsible for the assassination of for himself nor for his master, has killed sleeping
your sons and is someone who displeased his own children, deserves death.'
master, must therefore be sentenced.' "
(52) The four-armed one [Kṛṣṇa] had heard the
(40) Sūta said: "Although Arjuna, by Kṛṣṇa being words spoken by Bhīma and Draupadī and looking
put to a test concerning the matter of his duty, was at the face of His friend [Arjuna] then said with a
encouraged to do so, he did not aspire to kill the faint smile: (53-54) 'One should not kill the
son of his teacher, despite the fact that he was the relative of a brahmin, even though one kills an
heinous murderer of his sons. (41) After they aggressor - as far as I am concerned both is
thereupon had reached his camp, his dear friend prescribed to be carried out when we want to
and charioteer Govinda entrusted the assassin to follow the rules. You have to keep to the truth of
his dear wife who was lamenting over her the promise you made when you pacified your
murdered sons. (42) Upon seeing the criminal, wife and must also act to the satisfaction of Bhīma
who, silent from his heinous act, tied up in ropes and of Me.' "
was brought in, Draupadī, from the beauty of her
nature, out of compassion showed the son of the (55) Sūta said: "At once understanding what the
teacher the necessary respect [one owes a Lord meant, he separated with his sword the
brahmin]. (43) She in her piety, could not bear crown jewel from the head of the brahmin along
the sight of him brought in ropes and said: with his hair. (56) He [Aśvatthāmā] who, next to
'Release him, for he as a brahmin is a teacher of the loss of his bodily luster because of the
us. (44) It is by his [Droṇa's] mercy that you infanticide also had lost strength by the loss of his
yourself have received the confidential knowledge jewel, was next released from the ropes and driven
of archery and of the release and control of all out of the camp. (57) Cutting off the hair,
kinds of weapons. (45) The lordship of Droṇa for confiscating the wealth and banishment are the
certain still exists in the form of his son, because forms of punishment reserved for brahmin
his other half Kripī [his wife], with a son present, relatives, not any other method of physical
!
approach. (58) The sons of Pāṇḍu together with

Draupadī, then, overtaken by grief, performed the
necessary duties in respect of the deceased family
members."
*: Brahmā once was attracted to his daughter. Śiva

then attacked him furiously with his trident,
whereupon Brahmā fled for his life. In another
story is written how the sun-god once chased the
demon Vidyunmālī, whereupon Śiva furiously
attacked him with his trident. The sun-god fleeing
toppled at Kāśī, where he became known as
Lolārka.
Chapter 8
Parīkṣit Saved and Prayers by Queen
Kuntī
(1) Sūta said: "They [the Pāṇḍavas] together with

Draupadī and the women put in front, went to the
Ganges with the wish to perform the water duties
for their relatives. (2) After each had done his
offering of water and sufficiently had mourned,
they again took a bath in the water of the Ganges
that is purified by the dust of the lotus feet of the
Lord. (3) Overwhelmed by grief the king of the charioteer], [upon His departure] in response to
Kurus [Yudhiṣṭhira] sat there together with his their respects, invited the sons of Pāṇḍu. (8) Just
younger brothers, Dhṛtarāṣṭra and Ghāndārī, as He wanted to leave for Dvārakā, He, seated on
Kuntī, Draupadī and the Lord Himself. (4) Kṛṣṇa His chariot, saw Uttarā [the mother expecting
together with the munis pacified the shocked and Parīkṣit] hurrying towards Him agitated by fear.
affected family who had lost their friends and (9) She said: 'Protect me, protect me, oh Greatest
members, by showing how each is subjected to the of the Yogis, oh Worshiped of the Ones Worshiped
Time that cannot be avoided. (5) Because they and Lord of the Universe. Apart from You I see no
cunningly had stolen the kingdom from one without fear in this world of death and duality.
Yudhiṣṭhira [the eldest of the Pāṇḍavas] who had (10) Oh all-powerful Lord, a fiery iron arrow is
no enemies, the unscrupulous ones [Duryodhana coming towards me. Let it burn me, oh Protector,
and his brothers] had been killed who had but save my embryo!' "
shortened their lifespan with the insult of touching
the hair of the queen [Draupadī]. (6) By the proper (11) Sūta said: "Considering her words the
performance of three excellent horse sacrifices his Supreme Lord, who is the caretaker of the
[Yudhiṣṭhira's] fame spread in all directions like devotees, understood that this was the result of a
the fame of Indra who had performed that sacrifice brahmāstra weapon of the son of Droṇa, who
a hundred times. wanted to end the existence of all Pāṇḍava
descendants. (12) Oh chief of the munis
(7) Worshiped by both the brahmins and by [Śaunaka], seeing the glaring brahmāstra heading
Vyāsadeva and other sages, the Lord together with towards them, the Pāṇḍavas each took up their
Uddhava [His friend and nephew] and Sātyaki [his own five weapons. (13) Seeing that they, with no
!
Canto 1 23
other means available, were in great danger, the wish there were more of those calamities, oh
Almighty One took up His Sudarśana disc for the Master of the Universe, so that we could meet You
protection of His devotees. (14) From within the again and again, for meeting You means that one
soul of all living beings, the Supreme Lord of no longer is confronted with a material existence.
Yoga, by means of His personal energy, shielded (26) Those increasingly under the influence of
the embryo of Uttarā in order to protect the ambitions for a good birth, opulences, fame and
progeny of the Kuru dynasty. (15) Oh Śaunaka, beauty, will never ever deserve Your name on their
even though the brahmāstra weapon cannot be lips, the name of You who can easily be
stopped by counteractions, it was neutralized, approached by someone destitute. (27) All honor
being opposed by the strength of Viṣṇu. (16) But do to You, the wealth of the ones living in poverty,
not regard all of this, with everything mysterious You who stand for the freedom from the influence
and infallible that we know of Him, as something of the material qualities, You as the One satisfied
special. The unseen godhead is of creation, within and most peaceful; I bow for You, the
maintenance and annihilation by means of the master of liberation and emancipation. (28) I
divine power of His material potency. consider You the personification of Eternal Time,
the Lord without a beginning or an end, the All-
(17) Being saved from the radiation of the pervasive One who distributes His mercy
weapon, the chaste Kuntī together with Draupadī everywhere, equally, among the beings who live in
and her sons addressed Kṛṣṇa who was about to mutual dissent. (29) Oh Lord, no one understands
leave. (18) Kuntī said: 'My obeisances unto You, Your pastimes that appear to be as conflictual as
the Puruṣa, the invisible Original Controller of the the exploits of the common man. People think You
Cosmos in the beyond, who exists both within and are partial, but You favor or dislike no one. (30)
without all living beings. (19) Covered by the Oh Soul of the Universe, even though You as the
deluding [material] curtain, You, irreproachably Soul are unborn and not active, You do take birth
transcendent, cannot be discerned by the foolish, and engage in action, time and again in imitation
just like an actor dressed up as a player. (20) But of the animals, the human beings, the sages and
how can we women observe You, the object for the aquatics. (31) When the gopî [Yas'odâ, the
the performance of bhakti of the advanced cowherd foster mother of Kṛṣṇa] took up a rope to
transcendentalists and philosophers who can bind You because You were naughty, You were
discriminate between spirit and matter? (21) I afraid and cried the make-up off Your eyes, even
therefore offer my respectful obeisances to You, though You are feared by fear in person. Such
Kṛṣṇa, the Protector of the cows and the senses, things bewilder me. (32) Some say that You, being
the son of Vasudeva and Devakī, the child of born from the unborn like sandalwood appearing
Nanda and the cowherd men of Vrindāvana. (22) in the Malaya Hills, appeared in the family of dear
My respects for You, with a lotus-like depression King Yadu for the sake of the glory of the pious
in Your abdomen, always decorated with lotus kings. (33) Others say that You took birth from the
flowers and with a glance as cool as a lotus flower, unborn, from Vasudeva and Devakī who prayed
whose footprints show the mark of lotus flowers. for You, in order to put an end to those who are
(23) You, the master of the senses, have released jealous of the God-conscious souls. (34) Still
Devakī [mother of Kṛṣṇa] who was distressed others say that You, upon the prayers of Lord
because of being imprisoned for a long time by the Brahmā, have appeared like a boat on the sea, to
envious [uncle] Kamsa and have also, as the take away the heavy burden of worldly grief. (35)
guardian of me and my children, oh Mighty One, And yet others say that You appeared for the souls
protected us against a series of dangers. (24) In the who suffer from desire and nescience in the
past saving us from poison, a great fire, man- materially motivated world, so that they may
eaters, a vicious assembly, sufferings from exile in engage in hearing, remembering and worshiping
the forest and against weapons in battles with [You]. (36) Those people who take pleasure in
great warriors, You have now fully protected us continuously hearing, chanting and remembering
against the weapon of the son of Droṇa. (25) I Your activities, certainly very soon will see Your
!
lotus feet, that put and end to the current of sages, and said: (48) 'Oh, just look at me who,
rebirths. (37) Oh Lord, with all that You did for us, from the ignorance in his heart, got immersed in
You, departing now, leave us behind with the sin when he, with this body, which is meant to
kings with whom we are engaged in enmity, we, serve others, killed so many formations of
Your intimate friends who depending on nothing warriors. (49) I who have killed so many boys,
but Your lotus feet owe their life to Your mercy. twice-born souls, well-wishers, friends, elders,
(38) Who are we, what is our fame and name as brothers and teachers, surely never ever, not even
Yadus together with the Pāṇḍavas, without You? for a million years, shall be freed from hell. (50) It
With You absent we will be like the senses of a is not a sin for a king to kill when he fights his
body abandoned by its controller. (39) Oh enemies for the just cause of protecting his people,
Gadādhara ['wielder of the club'], the land of our but those words, instituted to satisfy the
kingdom will no longer appear as beautiful as it administration, do not apply to me. (51) All the
does now, being dazzled by the marks of Your enmity that accumulated among the women of the
footprints. (40) All these cities and towns, friends I have killed, I cannot expect to be undone
flourished, because of Your glances, more and by engaging myself for the sake of their material
more with their wealth of herbs, vegetables, welfare. (52) Just like one cannot filter mud with
forests, hills, rivers and seas. (41) Therefore, oh the help of mud or clear wine stains by using
Lord and Soul of the Universe, oh Personality of wine, one neither can counteract the killing of a
the Universal Form, please sever this tie of the single life with the performance of sacrifices.' "
deep affection I have for my kinsmen, the
Pāṇḍavas and the Vṛṣṇis. (42) Make my attention
for You, oh Lord of Madhu, pure and constant, Chapter 9
may I be led by the direct attraction unto You, the
way the Ganges is always flowing down to the sea.
The Passing Away of Bhīṣmadeva in the
(43) Oh Kṛṣṇa, friend of Arjuna and chief of the Presence of Kṛṣṇa
Vṛṣṇis, annihilator of the rebellious dynasties on
this earth, with Your unrelenting bravery You (1) Sūta said: "Yudhiṣṭhira, in fear because he had
relieve the cows, the brahmins and the demigods killed, in order to understand all duties, thereafter
in distress, oh Lord of Yoga incarnate, Universal went to the battlefield where the dying
Preceptor and Proprietor of All Wealth, I offer You Bhīṣmadeva was lying down. (2) Drawn by the
my respectful obeisances.' " best horses decorated with golden ornaments, all
the brothers followed him hither, accompanied by
(44) Sūta said: "After with this choice of words of Vyāsa, Dhaumya [the priest of the Pāṇḍavas] and
queen Kunī having been worshiped in His other ṛṣis. (3) Also the Supreme Lord came along
universal glories, the Lord gave a mild smile that with Arjuna on the chariot, oh sages among the
was as captivating as His mystic power. (45) Thus scholars. Thus the king appeared very aristocratic,
accepting that, He entered the palace of like Kuvera [the treasurer of the demigods]
Hastināpura and informed the other ladies [about together with his companions. (4) Seeing Bhīṣma
His departure]. But upon leaving for His own lying on the ground like a demigod fallen from
residence, He was lovingly stopped by heaven, he together with his Pāṇḍava brothers and
[Yudhiṣṭhira] the king. (46) The scholars, the the One Carrying the Disc [Kṛṣṇa], bowed down
sages headed by Vyāsa and Kṛṣṇa Himself - nota before him.
bene the one of superhuman accomplishment - ,
could not convince the king, who was distressed, (5) All the sages among the brahmins, the God-
nor could he find any solace in the classical conscious souls and the royalty were there, just to
stories. (47) King Yudhiṣṭhira, the son of Dharma, see the leader of the descendants of King Bharata
thinking of the friends that were killed, was [the common ancestor]. (6-7) Parvata Muni,
carried away by the delusion of his emotions Nārada, Dhaumya, Vyāsadeva, Brihadaśva,
based upon a material conception of the self, oh Bharadvāja and Paraśurāma were present there
!
Canto 1 25
with their disciples and also

Vasiṣṭha, Indrapramada,
Trita, Gṛtsamada, Asita,
Kakṣīvān, Gautama, Atri,
Kauśika and Sudarśana had
come. (8) Oh brahmins,
also many other sages like
Śukadeva, the instrument
of God, and other pure
souls like Kaśyapa and
Āngirasa arrived there
accompanied by their
disciples.
(9) Bhīṣmadeva, the best

among the Vasus, knowing
well how to adapt the
dharma according to time
and circumstances,
welcomed all the great and
powerful souls who had
assembled there. (10) Knowing His glories he was only due to His providence, His desire. Oh
honored Kṛṣṇa, the Lord of the Universe situated ruler, just take care of the helpless subjects, oh
in the heart who manifests His form through His master. (18) He [Kṛṣṇa] who inconceivably moves
internal potency. (11) Overtaken by feelings of among the Vṛṣṇi family, is no one else but the
love about the gathering he, with tears in his eyes Supreme Lord, the original, primordial, supreme
in ecstasy, congratulated the sons of Pāṇḍu sitting enjoyer Nārāyaṇa who bewilders the world with
silently at his side. (12) He said: 'Oh how painful His energies. (19) Oh King, Lord Śiva, Nārada the
and unjust it has been for you good souls, sons of divine sage and the great Lord Kapila have direct
righteousness, to have had such a life of suffering knowledge of His most confidential glories [but do
you never really deserved under the protection of not know his intentions]. (20) He is the very same
the brahmins, the religion and the Infallible One. person you consider your maternal cousin, dearest
(13) After the death of the great general Pāṇḍu, friend, ardent well-wisher, counselor, messenger,
when you, the children of Kuntī, his wife, were benefactor and charioteer. (21) He who is present
still tender of age, she had to suffer a great deal on in everyone's heart, who is equal to all and who,
your account, and that continued even after you being from the Absolute, never falsely identifies
boys had grown up. (14) All the unpleasant that Himself, makes, in His consciousness, never at
transpired, I think, is the inescapable effect of any time a difference, free as He is from any bias.
Time; you, just like the rest of the world with its (22) Yet, despite His impartiality with the
ruling demigods, fall under that control the way devotees, see, oh King, how Kṛṣṇa, at the end of
clouds are carried by the wind. (15) Why else my life, cared to be visibly present at my side. (23)
would there be such misfortune with Yudhiṣṭhira, Those yoga adepts who with Him in mind
the son of the ruler of religion, being present, as devoutly meditate on His holy name and with their
also Bhīma with his mighty club, Arjuna carrying mouth sing His glories, will, upon abandoning the
his Gāndīva and our well-wisher Kṛṣṇa? (16) No material conception of life [their body], be freed
one may fathom His plan, oh King, it bewilders from their desire for materially motivated actions.
even the great philosophers who are engaged in (24) May He, the path of my meditations, the four-
exhaustive inquiries. (17) Therefore, I assure you, handed God of the Gods, the Supreme Lord, with
[Yudhiṣṭhira], oh best soul of Bharata, that this His cheerful smile, His eyes red like the morning
!
sun and His decorated lotus face, await me when I my sharp arrows, took pleasure in wearing His
leave this material body.' " protective armor. (35) After hearing the command
of His friend, He drove the chariot between the
(25) Sūta said: "Yudhiṣṭhira, who heard this from opposing forces, where positioned He diminished
him who was lying on a bed of arrows, asked him, the lifespan of the enemy by simply looking at
with the ṛṣis listening, about the different religious them. Let there be my love for that friend of
duties. (26) Bhīṣma described to him the various Arjuna. (36) Seeing the faces of the troops
stages of life and the vocations as determined by a standing at a distance, He with His transcendental
person's character, as also the way one should knowledge eradicated the ignorance of him who,
systematically deal with both the symptoms of because of a polluted intelligence, was reluctant to
attachment and detachment. (27) He gave an kill his kinsmen. Let there be the transcendence of
outline of the duties of charity, rulership and
my attraction to His feet.
liberation, including a more detailed description,
and also discussed the duties of women and those
of devotional service. (28) Knowing the truth he, (37) Giving up His own promise not to fight and
oh sages, described the [civil virtues of fulfilling my vow to make Him do so, He got
regulating the] religion, economy, desires and down from His chariot, took up its wheel and -
liberation, thereby giving examples of known while dropping His outer garment - paced towards
histories. (29) The time Bhīṣma described the me like a lion about to kill an elephant. (38)
duties, the sun ran over the northern hemisphere, Wounded by the sharp arrows of the aggressor that
which is precisely the period preferred by mystics I was and with His armor broken He, smeared
for leaving this world [see B.G. 8: 24]. (30) with blood, in an angry mood moved towards me
Bhīṣmadeva, the protector of thousands of sciences in order to kill me. May the Supreme Lord who
and arts, then fell silent. With a mind freed from awards salvation become my destination. (39) Let
all bondage he thereupon fixed his eyes, wide me in My dying hour, be of love for the
open, on Kṛṣṇa, the Fourhanded Original Person, Personality of Godhead who, controlling the
who was standing before him clad in yellow. (31) horses with a whip in His right hand and the reins
Simply looking at Him, the Annihilator of the in His left, so elegant to behold, by all means
Inauspicious, his meditation purified and his pain protected the chariot of Arjuna. It was by looking
from the arrows disappeared instantly. And as he at Him that those who died at this place realized
was praying before the material tabernacle, all the their original form [of service]. (40) Watching the
activities of his senses ceased when he departed for attractive movements of His supremely spirited,
the Controller of All Living Beings. (32) Śrī fascinating acts and sweet loving smiles, the
Bhīṣmadeva said: 'Freed from desires my mind is gopīs of Vrajadhāma [the village of Kṛṣṇa's youth]
now ready for the Supreme Lord, the Leader of the imitating Him madly in ecstasy, experienced His
Devotees, the Great Self-contented One who, in the nature. (41) When King Yudhiṣṭhira performed the
realization of His transcendental joy, at times [as an [Rājasūya] royal sacrifice where the great sages and
avātara] takes pleasure in accepting this material kings were assembled, He received the respectful
world that changes constantly. (33) He is the most worship of all the members of the elite. I present
desirable person of the higher, lower and middle there recognized Him at the time [and still
worlds. Bluish like a tamāla tree, He wears His remember Him now] as the [Supreme] Soul, as the
dress that shines like the golden rays of the sun. He object of worship. (42) Having experienced the
has a body decorated with sandalwood pulp and a absorption of being freed from the misconceptions
face like a lotus. May my love, free from material of duality, I know [ever since] that He, now
motives, repose in the friend of Arjuna. (34) Let present before me, is the One Unborn in the heart
the mind be directed towards Śrī Kṛṣṇa who, with of the conditioned soul. It is He who, situated as
His scattered hair that on the battlefield turned the Supersoul in the heart of all beings created by
ashen from the dust of the hoofs, with His face Him, is looked upon differently from every angle,
decorated with perspiration and His skin pierced by just like the one sun.' "
!
Canto 1 27
(43) Sūta said: "With his mind, speech, sight and

actions thus being fixed on Kṛṣṇa alone, he fell
silent and stopped breathing after having merged
in the living being of the Supersoul. (44)
Understanding that Bhīṣmadeva had merged into
the Absolute and Unlimited Supreme, everyone
fell silent like birds at the end of the day. (45)
Thereafter from everywhere drums sounded being
beaten by gods and men, accompanied by heartfelt
praise from the pious royal order and showers of
flowers falling from the sky. (46) Oh descendant
of Bhṛgu [Śaunaka], after having performed the
funeral rites for the dead body, Yudhiṣṭhira was
afflicted for a moment. (47) The sages who were
satisfied and happy about the [revelation of the]
confidential secret of Kṛṣṇa's glories, then turned
back to their hermitages with Him installed in
their hearts. (48) Yudhiṣṭhira went together with
Kṛṣṇa to Hastināpura and consoled his uncle
[Dhṛtarāṣṭra] and ascetic aunt Ghāndhārī. (49) the earth yielded everything desired and the cows
With the approval of his uncle and consent of out of sheer joy moistened the pastures with their
Vāsudeva he thereafter ruled the kingdom, filled udders. (5) The rivers, oceans and hills
conform the dharma and greatness of his father assured him in every season of all necessary
[Pāṇḍu] and forefathers." vegetables, greenery and medicinal herbs. (6)
Never was, because of themselves, because of
nature or because of others, any living being
Chapter 10 troubled by anxieties, diseases or extreme
The Departure of Kṛṣṇa for Dvārakā temperatures, as is always the case with a king
who has no enemies.
(1) Śaunaka Muni asked: "What did Yudhiṣṭhira,
the greatest protector of the dharma, together with (7) In order to appease His family and please His
his younger brothers do, after having killed the sister [Subhadrā, who was married to Arjuna], the
aggressors who wanted to usurp the legal Lord stayed for a few months in the city of
inheritance; how did he engage [ruling] in Hastināpura. (8) After with due permission having
restricting the joys of life?” announced His departure, He, having embraced
the king and having bowing down to him,
(2) Sūta said: "After the exhausting bamboo fire of ascended His chariot. Thereupon He on his turn
the Kuru dynasty, the Lord, the maintainer of the was respected and embraced by the others. (9-10)
creation, was pleased to see how the seedling of His sister [Subhadrā], [the wife of the Pāṇḍavas]
Yudhiṣṭhira's kingdom had been restored. (3) Draupadī, [their mother] Kuntī, [Parīkṣit's mother]
Yudhiṣṭhira, who had heard what Bhīṣma and the Uttarā and also [the blind grandfather] Dhṛtarāṣṭra
Infallible One had said, was, being enlightened by and [his wife] Gāndhārī, [their son] Yuyutsu, [the
perfect knowledge, freed from his bewilderment Kuru priest] Kṛpācārya, [the twin brothers] Nakula
and then ruled, followed by his brothers and and Sahadeva together with Bhīma, and [the
protected by the invincible Lord, over the earth Pāṇḍava priest] Dhaumya and the [other] ladies
and the seas like he was the king of heaven from the palace and [Vyāsa's mother] Satyavatī,
[Indra]. (4) All the rain that was needed showered, had great difficulty with the departure of the One
!
with the bow Śārnga in His hands, and almost revealed scriptures into practice wishes thereby, in
fainted. (11-12) An intelligent person, in good manifesting His personal potency when He [in the
company being liberated from materialistic form of an avatāra] engages the illusion of
association, will never think of forsaking the material nature, to assign to His - in fact
glorification of His fame, even when he but once unnamable - individual nature, time and again
heard that pleasant sound. How could the names and forms. (23) He here happens to be the
Pāṇḍavas who fixed their minds on Him, then same refuge as the one of the great devotees who
tolerate it to be separated from Him, having seen managed to get their senses and life under control
Him face to face and touching, sleeping, sitting and who, by the grace of their devotion, could
and eating together with Him? (13) All of them, witness the development of a pure mind. It is by
looking at Him with wide open eyes, melted for their devotion only, that they deserve a purified
Him and moved restlessly, being bound by pure existence. (24) Oh friends, it is He who for His
affection. (14) The ladies of the family who came excellent pastimes, that are confidentially
from the palace, had difficulty checking their tears described in the Vedas as also are discussed by the
from overflowing, as they were afraid that because intimate devotees, is respected as the one and only
of it inauspicious things might happen to the son Supreme Controller and Supersoul of the complete
of Devakī. (15) At that time mṛdangas [drums creation, He who by the manifestation of His
used in devotional service], conch shells, horns, pastimes, creates, maintains and destroys without
strings, flutes and more drums, kettledrums, bells ever becoming attached to it. (25) Whenever there
and other rhythm instruments were sounded. (16) are rulers who ignorantly like animals wage
To have a good view the ladies of the Kuru against the divine principles, He at that moment
dynasty climbed on the roof of the palace, from manifests, for certain out of goodness, His
where they showered flowers upon Kṛṣṇa with supreme power and positive truth, mercy and
love and shy smiles. (17) For the Most Beloved of wonderful activities in various forms for the sake
the Beloved, the conqueror of sleep [Arjuna] took of maintaining [the dharma] in different periods
up an embroidered sunshade decorated with pearls and ages [see also B.G 4: 7]. (26) Oh, how most
and lace that had a handle inlaid with jewels. (18) praiseworthy is the dynasty of King Yadu, how
Sitting on scattered flowers the master of Madhu, most deserving the land of Mathurā, for He who
commanding them on the road, was fanned by His has appeared and roamed here is the supreme
cousin brother Uddhava and His driver Sâtyaki leader of all living beings as also the husband of
holding resplendent fans. the goddess of fortune. (27) How wonderful
Dvārakā is [the island where Kṛṣṇa resides], the
(19) From all sides the truthful respects and place that, adding to the virtue and fame of the
sayings of the brahmins could be heard that to the earth, defeats the glory of the heavenly worlds, the
occasion were neither befitting or unbefitting, place of which the inhabitants are used to
considering the fact that the Absolute Truth was constantly see the soul of the living being [Kṛṣṇa]
present there in a form subjected to the modes of who bestows His grace with the benediction of His
nature. (20) The ladies of the capital of the king of smiling glance. (28) In order to relish His lips
the Kurus, were with their hearts absorbed in again and again, the wives He married no doubt,
together talking about Him hailed in the scriptures, by vow, bath, fire sacrifice and such, must have
in such a manner that it sounded more attractive been of perfect worship for the Lord, oh friends.
than the hymns of the Vedas themselves: (21) 'We Often the damsels of Vraja fainted with that in
will definitely remember Him as the Personality of their minds! (29) Of the lady of Dvārakā
Godhead, as the Original Person who, materially [Rukmiṇī, Kṛṣṇa's first wife], who with great valor
not manifested, existed in His own Self before the was taken away by Him from the open selection of
creation of the modes of nature. He is the Lord, the bridegroom as the price that had to be paid by
the Soul of the Universe, in whom the living the harassing powerful kings headed by Śiśupāla,
beings merge with their energies suspended like and of the other ladies that similarly were brought
going asleep at night. (22) He who puts the home after the killing of Bhaumāsura and
!
Canto 1 29
and traversed the

province of Matsyā,
Sārasvatān [another part
of Punjab] and so on.
Then crossing the land of
deserts [Rajasthan], the
land where there is hardly
any water [Madhya
Pradesh] and after
passing through the
provinces of Sauvīra
[Saurastra] and Ābhīra
[part of Gujarat], He, oh
Śaunaka, finally in the
western direction reached
the province of Dvārakā,
with His horses slightly
overtaken by fatigue from
the long journey. (36) In
several places it
happened that the Lord
was welcomed and
served in different ways
thousands of his men, there are children like upon His arrival in the evening after the sun had
Pradyumna, Sāmba and Amba. (30) All these so passed the eastern sky to disappear where the
very fine women who alas were bereft of their ocean is."
individuality, purity and virtue, were touched to be
drawn into the heart of their lotus-eyed husband
who never left them alone in their homes.'
Chapter 11
(31) With the ladies of the capital expressing Śrī Kṛṣṇa's Entrance Into Dvārakā
themselves this way, He granted them the grace of
His glance. The Lord then greeted them with a
smile and departed. (32) Yudhiṣṭhira, the man (1) Sūta said: "Reaching the border of the
without enemies, in his affectionate concern about prosperous region of Ānarta [the territory of
adversaries, engaged four divisions of soldiers [on Dvārakā, His capital], He sounded His conch
horseback, elephant, chariot and foot] for the shell [the Pāñcajanya], which, evidently,
protection of the enemy of Madhu. (33) After thus ended the dejection of the inhabitants. (2)
having accompanied Him over a great distance, Despite being reddened by the lips of the Great
Śauri [Kṛṣṇa as the grandson of Śūra] politely and Adventurer, the brilliant white of the round form
full of affection persuaded the determined of the conch shell as it was loudly sounded in His
Pāṇḍavas to return. They were overtaken by the hands, looked like a swan ducking at the stems of
thought of their future separation. Thereafter He lotus flowers. (3) Having heard the sound, that
together with His dear companions proceeded frightens the fear of material existence itself, all
towards Dvārakā. (34-35) Traveling through the citizens rapidly proceeded in the direction of
Kurujāngala [the province of Delhi], Pāñcālā [part the presence of their protector they had awaited so
of Punjab], Śūrasenā, Brahmāvarta [Uttar Pradesh long. (4-5) They thereupon offered their
its north] and the districts along the Yamunā river, presentations of welcome to the fully satisfied
He passed Kurukṣetra where the battle was fought Self-contented One who by dint of His potency
!
was their unrelenting provider. It was like offering painted with foremost signs and decorated with
a lamp to the sun. With cheerful, affectionate faces arches and flags casting their shadows in the
they ecstatically gave gladdened speeches before sunshine. (14) The avenues, streets, the
the Father, like friends and wards do for their marketplace and public meeting places were
guardian. thoroughly cleansed, sprinkled with scented water
and strewn with fruits, flowers and unbroken
(6) They said: 'We have always bowed down to seeds. (15) At the door of each residential house
Your lotus feet, oh Lord, like one does in the there was a display of curd, unbroken fruits, sugar
worship of Brahmā and his sons and the king of cane, decorations, pots of water and articles for
heaven. You after all are for the ones who desire worship like incense and lamps. (16-17) Hearing
the supreme welfare in this life, the Master of that their dearest friend was coming home, His
Transcendence upon whom the inevitable time has magnanimous father Vasudeva, Akrūra, Ugrasena,
no grip. (7) For the sake of our welfare be the the superhumanly powerful Balarāma, Pradyumna,
Creator of our world and also be our mother, well- Cārudeṣṇa and Sāmba, the son of Jāmbavatī, all
wisher, husband, father, Lord and spiritual master. extremely happy were alerted from their resting,
Following in the footsteps of You as our sitting and dining. (18) Headed by elephants,
worshipable deity and supreme lordship, we carrying auspicious articles and with the sound of
have succeeded in our lives. (8) Oh how lucky we conch shells and the glorifying chanting of hymns,
are to see again Your all-auspicious form and they, together with the brahmins excited in
enjoy the protection of Your good Self, for the cheerful expectancy, hurried towards Him on their
sight of Your affectionate, loving, smiling face is chariots. (19) Hundreds of courtesans with
even by the demigods rarely seen. (9) Whenever, dazzling earrings that enhanced the beauty of their
oh lotus-eyed One, You leave from here to meet cheeks, followed in their vehicles most anxious to
Your friends and relatives among the Kurus [in meet Him. (20) There were entertainers, dancers,
Hastināpura] and the people of Mathurā, oh singers, historians, genealogists and learned
Infallible One, each moment seems to take a speakers who sang and glorified all the
million years and our eyes are as useless as they superhuman activities of the Lord. (21) The
would be without the sun. (10) How can we, with Supreme Lord approached each of the friends and
You being elsewhere, live without the satisfaction citizens who came to receive and welcome Him,
of Your glance that vanquishes the miseries of the the way it should with due honor and respect. (22)
world; how can we live without seeing Your He, the Almighty One, with the encouragement of
beautiful smiling and decorated, attractive face?' His glancing smile, bowed His head, greeted them
with words, embraced them and shook hands with
With the sound in His ears of these words of the them, down to the lowest as desired awarding His
citizens, the caretaker of the devotees, He who benedictions. (23) Then, accompanied by the
teaches humaneness to humanity by the elderly relatives and the brahmins and their wives,
distribution of His glances, entered the city of He entered the city where He was welcomed also
Dvārakā. (11) The way the city of Bhogavatī was with blessings and praises from other admirers.
protected by the Nāgas, Dvārakā was protected by
the strength of the descendants of Vṛṣṇi [Kṛṣṇa's (24) While Kṛṣṇa passed through the public roads
family], Bhoja, Madhu, Daśārha, Arha, Kukura, of Dvārakā, the ladies of standing climbed on the
Andhaka etc. [together called the Yadus], who roofs of their houses, dear scholars, to feast their
were all as good as Kṛṣṇa Himself. (12) During all eyes on the sight of Him. (25) Even though it was
seasons there was the wealth of orchards and their habit to look at Him this way, the
flower gardens that with their trees, plants and the inhabitants of Dvārakā could never get enough of
hermitages also found there, formed beautiful the compelling sight of the reservoir of all beauty
parks around ponds filled with lotuses increasing who was the embodiment of the Infallible One.
the beauty of the city. (13) The gateway of the city (26) In His chest the Goddess of Fortune resides,
as also the different roads, were for the occasion from the cup of His face the eyes are drinking, by
!
Canto 1 31
His arms the ruling demigods abide, and His their military control over their surroundings. He
lotus feet are the shelter for the singing and brought relief by killing them just like the wind
talking devotees. (27) Being served with a white does with bamboos by creating fire by means of
parasol, fans and a road covered by a shower of friction. (35) The Supreme Lord, from His
flowers, the Lord with His yellow garments and causeless mercy, appeared out of His own among
His flower garlands, resembled a cloud surrounded all those who are part of this human world, to
by the sun, the moon, lightening and a rainbow enjoy a life, with the worthiest of women, as if it
combined. concerned an ordinary worldly affair. (36) Even
though they were spotless and exciting with their
(28) After next entering His parental home, He charming smiles, the way they with their grave
was embraced by His seven mothers [His own expression looking from the corners of their eyes
mother, the wife of the priest, of the guru and of even perplexed Cupid to give up his bow, they, as
the king, the cow, the nurse and mother earth] who maddening, first-class women, were never able to
were gladly headed by Devakî to whom He bowed perturb His senses with their magic. (37) Ordinary
His head in obeisance. (29) When they thereupon people who see how He, in spite of His
all had put Him on their laps, their breasts got wet detachment, is actively engaged, consider in their
of their affection and delight as also because of the ignorance Him for that reason a human being full
water of the tears that
overwhelmed them. (30)
Thereafter He entered His
personal unsurpassable
quarters that, inhabited by
His wives who numbered
over sixteen thousand,
offered all that one could
wish for. (31) From a
distance seeing their
husband now returned
home, the ladies, utterly
happy within their
minds, with a coyly
looking face immediately
rose up from their seats
and meditations. (32)
With Him before their
eyes, the shy ones [first]
sent Him their divine love
[their 'sons' or Cupid] by embracing Him in their of attachment, as someone who is just as affected
hearts in an insuperable ecstasy but, oh leader of as they are. (38) Such is the divinity of the
the Bhṛgus, they nevertheless choked up with tears Personality of Godhead that He, despite being in
that inadvertently fell like water from their eyes. touch with material nature, is never affected by its
(33) Although He was always present at their side, qualities; and the same is true for the intelligence
even when they were alone, His feet every time of the ones always situated in the eternal truth of
appeared completely new to them - after all, who the Lord who is their refuge. (39) The women in
could let go of the feet of the Eternal One that are their simplicity and weakness took it for granted
never abandoned by the Goddess of Fortune? (34) that He would be some kind of follower who is
He, without being part of it Himself, created the dominated and isolated by his wife. They were as
enmity between the rulers who from the day they unaware of the glories of their husband, as one is
were born had become a burden to the earth with by imagining oneself to be the supreme controller."
!
Lord and protector of righteousness, took away the

glare. Next the Lord who stretches in all directions
Chapter 12 all of a sudden disappeared from his sight. (12)
The Birth of Emperor Parīkṣit Thereupon, when the good signs of a favorable
position of the stars gradually evolved, he who
would prove himself to be of a prowess equal to
(1) Śaunaka said: "The [embryo in the] womb of that of Pāṇḍu, took his birth as the heir apparent of
Uttarā, that was tormented by the enormous heat Pāṇḍu. (13) King Yudhiṣṭhira being fully satisfied
of the invincible weapon released by Aśvatthāmā, had priests like Dhaumya and Kṛpa perform the
was by the Lord again awarded a life. (2) How did birth ritual with the recitation of auspicious
the birth take place of him [Emperor Parīkṣit] who hymns. (14) Knowing where, when and how, he in
was so highly intelligent and what where the charity rewarded to the occasion of that birth the
activities of this great soul? How exactly did his brahmins with good food and gifts of gold, cows,
demise take place and what destination did he land, housing, elephants and horses. (15) The
achieve? (3) If you think you can tell us this that brahmins happily addressed the king, the chief of
we, so very faithful, all want to hear, please speak the Pūrus, communicating that they felt most
to us then about the transcendental knowledge that obliged to the line of the descendants of [their
was delivered by Śuka." ancestor King] Pūru. (16) They said: 'This son has
been given to you by the all-pervasive and all-
(4) Sūta said: "King Yudhiṣṭhira brought wealth, powerful Lord to show you His mercy in
the way his father did, by pleasing his subjects in countering his destruction by the irresistible,
continuous service of Kṛṣṇa's feet without any supernatural weapon. (17) Therefore he shall be
ulterior motive for material gain or sensual known all over world as Viṣṇu-rāta, 'Given by
pleasure. (5) The fame of his wealth, sacrifices, Viṣṇu'. He will no doubt be a most fortunate,
what he stood for, his queens, his brothers and his supreme devotee endowed with all good qualities.'
sovereignty over the planet earth where we are
living, even spread to the heavenly worlds. (6) (18) The good king said: 'Oh best of the truthful,
But, just as only food may satisfy a hungry man will he follow in the footsteps of all the great souls
and nothing else, he, in his hunger as someone of this family of saintly kings? Will he just as
aware of the Redeemer, Mukunda, oh brahmins, meritorious and glorious in his achievements?'
was not moved by all those earthly desirables that
are aspired by even the God-fearing souls. (19) The brahmins answered: 'Oh son of Pṛthā
[Kuntī], he will be the maintainer of all living
(7) At the time Parīkṣit the great fighter, as a child entities, exactly like King Ikṣvāku, the son of
in his mother's womb, was suffering from the heat Manu, and he will be faithful to his promises and
of the brahmāstra weapon, oh son of Bhṛgu, he be of respect for the brahmins, just like Rāma, the
could observe the Puruṣa [the original person] in a son of Daśaratha. (20) He will be as charitable as
shining appearance. (8) In the blaze he saw at the King Śibi of Uśīnara and protect the ones of
size of not more than a thumb the transcendental, surrender, and will, just like Bharata, the son of
infallible Lord beautiful with a dark skin, a golden Duṣyanta who performed many sacrifices, spread
helmet and lightening clothes. (9) With the riches the name and fame of his family. (21) Among the
of His four arms, earrings of the purest gold, archers he will be as good as the two Arjunas [his
bloodshot eyes and a club in His hands, He was grandfather and the king of Haihaya, see 9:15:
moving about, constantly whirling the club around 17-19], he will be as irresistible as fire and as
like it was a torch. (10) As He was vanquishing unsurpassable as the ocean. (22) As powerful as a
the radiation of the brahmāstra like the sun lion and as worthy for taking shelter as the
evaporating dew drops, He was observed by the Himalayas, he will be as forbearing as the earth
child who wondered who He was. (11) He saw and as tolerant as his parents. (23) With a spirit as
how the all-pervading Supersoul, the Supreme good as that of the original father Brahmā, he will
!
Canto 1 33
be as generous and equanimous as Lord Śiva and stayed a few months longer to satisfy the desires
be the refuge of all living beings as good as the of His friends. (36) Then, dear brahmins, He, with
Supreme Lord who is the refuge of the goddess of the permission of the king, Draupadī and His
fortune. (24) Following in the footsteps of Kṛṣṇa relatives, went back to Dvārakā, accompanied by
he will be the majesty of all divine virtues, he will Arjuna and other members of the Yadu dynasty."
have the greatness of King Rantideva and be as
pious as Yayāti. (25) Being as patient as Bali
Mahārāja this child will be as devoted as Prahlāda
was unto Kṛṣṇa, he will perform many Aśvamedha Chapter 13
[horse] sacrifices and be faithful to the elderly and
experienced souls. (26) He will father a line of Dhṛtarāṣṭra Quits Home
saintly kings, will chastise the upstarts and, as a
source of righteousness in the world, crush the (1) Sūta said: "Vidura [*] traveling to the different
quarrelsome. (27) After being informed about his places of pilgrimage, had received knowledge
personal death, as caused by a snakebird that was about the destination of the self from the great
sent by the son of a brahmin, he will free himself sage Maitreya. By that knowledge sufficiently
from his attachments and take to the shelter of the being acquainted with everything to be known, he
Lord. (28) From the son of sage Vyāsa having returned to the city of Hastināpura. (2) After all
inquired about the proper self-knowledge, oh the questions Vidura had asked Maitreya in his
King, he will abandon his material life on the bank presence, an undivided devotion unto Govinda had
of the river Ganges and attain the state of grown in him so that he refrained from further
fearlessness.' questioning. (3-4) Seeing him arrive in
Hastināpura, oh brahmins, Yudhiṣṭhira and his
younger brothers, Dhṛtarāṣṭra, Sātyaki and
(29) The brahmins learned in matters of astrology
Sañjaya, Kṛpācārya, Kuntī, Gāndhārī, Draupadī,
and birth ceremonies thus having informed the
Subhadrā, Uttarā, Kṛpī, other wives of the family
king, were generously rewarded and then all
members of the Pāṇḍavas and other ladies with
returned to their homes. (30) He, oh master
their sons, all welcomed him. (5) Like awakened
[Śaunaka], acquired fame in this world as Parīkṣit,
from death they approached him in great delight
the examiner, because he, constantly keeping Him
to receive him with all respect with embraces and
in mind whom he had seen before his birth, would
obeisances. (6) In their love for him they
examine all men. (31) Just like the waxing moon
emotionally shed tears because of the experienced
day by day soon becomes full, the royal prince
anxiety and grief about the separation. King
under the care of his protective parents day by day
Yudhiṣṭhira offered him a seat and arranged a
grew to become soon the one he would be. reception.
(32) King Yudhiṣṭhira, desiring to perform a horse (7) After he had eaten, had rested and was seated
sacrifice to be freed from the burden of having comfortably, the king humbly bowed down to
fought his kinsmen, thought about acquiring funds address him in front of everybody. (8) Yudhiṣṭhira
because all he received stemmed from collecting said: 'Do you remember how we, brought up under
taxes and fines. (33) In respect of his mindful the wings of your care, together with our mother
wishes, his brothers on the advise of the Infallible were delivered from various calamities like
One went north to collect sufficient riches. (34) poisoning and arson? (9) By which means did you
With the result of those collected riches maintain your livelihood as you traveled the
Yudhiṣṭhira, the anxious, pious king, managed to surface of the earth and in which holy places of
conduct three horse sacrifices, by means of which pilgrimage have you been of service here on this
he worshiped Lord Hari perfectly. (35) The planet? (10) Devotees like your goodness are
Supreme Lord being invited by the king, had the converted into holy places themselves, oh
brahmins perform the sacrifices for him and then powerful one, and with in your heart the One who
!
Carries the Club, you turn all places into places of born, your hearing is not so good anymore, your
pilgrimage. (11) Dear uncle, can you tell us what memory fails and recently your teeth loosened,
you saw or heard about our friends and well- your liver gives you trouble and you are loudly
wishers? Are the descendants of Yadu, so rapt in coughing up mucus. (23) Alas, how powerful the
their service unto Kṛṣṇa, all happy where they are living being's attachment to life is! It is that strong
living?' that it makes you, just like a household dog, eat
the remnants of the food left over by Bhīma [your
(12) Thus being questioned by the king he, Pāṇḍava nephew]. (24) How can you subsist on
discussing one subject after the other, properly the grace of those whom you tried to burn and
described all he had experienced, but he did not poison and whose wife you have insulted while
mention the destruction of the dynasty. (13) usurping their kingdom? (25) Whether you like it
Because he did not want to upset them he was as or not, you will, however much you value your
graceful not to speak about this in fact so life, have to face the fact that this miserly body
unpalatable and unbearable aspect of mankind's will dwindle and deteriorate like an old garment.
behavior. (14) The sage, who was treated like a (26) Someone is courageous and wise when he, no
god, thereupon resided for a few days with them longer being able to use his body properly,
so that he could mean something to his eldest unconcerned and free from all obligations leaves
brother and everybody would be happy. (15) for an unknown destination. (27) Anyone who, by
Because of a curse of Maṇḍūka Muni [who under his own understanding or having learned it from
Yama's responsibility was treated unjustly], Vidura others, arrives at consciousness in resignation of
[who was an incarnation of Yama] for the time of the world and leaves his home with the Lord
a hundred years had to play the part of a śūdra [a installed in his heart, is certainly a first-class
working class man]. During that time it was human being. (28) Therefore, please leave for the
Aryamā who [in his place] administered north without letting your relatives know, for
punishment as was suitable for the sinful ones hereafter soon the time will arrive that diminishes
[**]. many of the qualities of men [Kali-yuga].' (29)
Having heard this the old king of the Ajamīdha
(16) Yudhiṣṭhira had seen that there was a family, in respect of the wisdom of his younger
grandson in the dynasty fit for ruling the kingdom brother Vidura, determined broke with the strong
he had retrieved, and enjoyed together with his family ties and left in the direction that was set for
politically gifted brothers a life of great wealth. the path of liberation. (30) As he left, the chaste
(17) But the insurmountable and imperceptible and worthy daughter of King Subala [Gāndhārī]
Time surpasses inimitably those who are followed her husband to the Himalayas - the place
inattentive and engrossed in the mind of that is the delight of those who took up the staff of
attachment to family affairs. (18) Vidura, well renunciation like they were fighters accepting a
aware of this, said to Dhṛtarāṣṭra: 'Oh King, [dear justified beating.
brother], please withdraw yourself without delay,
just see how fear is ruling your life. (19) In this (31) Returning to the palace, he who considered
material world, oh master, there is no help from no one his enemy [Yudhiṣṭhira] wanted to pay his
anyone or anything to escape this fear, because respects to the elderly after he had worshiped the
that fear concerns the Supreme Lord who demigods with oblations, and offered obeisances
approaches us all in the form of eternal Time. (20) and gifts of grains, land, cows and gold to the
Inevitably overtaken by the pull of time a person brahmins, but he could not find his two uncles or
must, just like that, give up this life, as dear as it is aunt Gāndhārī. (32) Anxiously, he turned to
to everyone, not to mention the wealth and such he Sañjaya the son of Gavalgana [the assistant who
has acquired. (21) With your father, brother, well- gave the blind Dhṛtarāṣṭra the account of the
wishers and sons all dead, with your life expended battle], and said to him: 'Where is our old, blind
and your body decrepit, you live in another man's uncle? (33) Where is my well-wisher Vidura and
home. (22) You have been blind since you were mother Gāndhārī who was grieving over losing
!
Canto 1 35
her offspring? Has the old

king, having lost his sons,
distressed with a mind
full of doubt about my
ingratitude and offenses,
drowned himself together
with his wife in the
Ganges? (34) After the
downfall of my father
King Pāṇḍu they were the
well-wishers who
protected all of us still
being small children.
Where have my uncles
gone from here?' "
(35) Sūta said: "Sañjaya,

who, being worried out of
love for his master, could
not find him, was upset
about the separation and hymns and precepts of the Veda tied to follow the
could, being too aggrieved, not speak a word in demands of the Supreme One. (43) The way in
reply. (36) Thinking about the feet of his master he this world playthings at will are brought together
with his hands wiped the tears from his face. He and separated again, it also happens to the people
restrained himself and replied King Yudhiṣṭhira. who subjected to the game of the Lord are brought
(37) Sañjaya said: 'I do not know what your uncles together and separated again. (44) Whether one
or Gāndhārī had in mind, oh descendant of the considers persons eternal [souls] or temporal
Kuru dynasty -, oh great King, these great souls [bodies] or else as both [embodied souls] or as
have fooled me.' (38) That very moment the neither of both [because of the Absolute Truth
supreme personality Nārada arrived there with his which is transcendental to all attributes], they
musical instrument. Yudhiṣṭhira and his younger never under any circumstance should constitute a
brothers got up from their seats to welcome him reason for lamentation; one is only that way
properly by offering him their obeisances. The because one got emotionally involved or has lost
king thereupon said: (39) 'Oh supreme one, I do one's mind. (45) Therefore, oh King, give up the
not know in which direction my uncles and ascetic anxiety you feel from lacking in self knowledge.
aunt, who is most aggrieved about the loss of her Do not longer think how these helpless poor
sons, have left. (40) Like a captain on a ship in the creatures would be able to survive without you.
great ocean, you are the Lord to guide us to the (46) How is this body, which is made out of the
other side.' five elements [fire, water, air, earth and ether] and
is controlled by time, by materially motivated
Thus being addressed the divine personality action and by the modes of nature [kāla, karma
Nārada, the greatest among the sages, said: (41) and the gunas], capable of protecting others when
'Oh King, never lament, for whatever reason, for it is just as well bitten by that snake? (47) One
the universe is controlled by the Supreme Lord. living being is the livelihood of another; those
All living beings and their leaders perform their who have no hands [the animals] are at the mercy
ceremonies in order to be protected. He is the one of the ones who do have hands [the human
who brings everybody together and also disperses beings], living beings without limbs [like grasses]
them again. (42) The way a cow is tied by a rope are at the mercy of the four-legged ones [like the
through the nose, one the same way is by the cows]. The weaker ones are at the mercy of the
!
stronger ones. (48) Look therefore only for Him,

this Supreme Personality, who by the power of
illusion appears as a diversity. He, oh King, is the
One Soul of the self-realization of all souls, who
manifests Himself both inside of them and outside
of them. (49) He, the Father of all creation, the
Supreme Lord, has now, oh great King, descended
in this world in the form of [death, the all-
devouring] Time, in order to eliminate everyone
inimical to the enlightened souls. (50) The Lord
on their behalf did what had to be done and is now
awaiting the rest. You Pāṇḍavas the same way
must wait and see, for as long as He is present in
this world.
(51) Dhṛtarāṣṭra, his brother Vidura and his wife

Gāndhārī have departed for the southern side of
the Himalayas where the sages have their refuge.
(52) The place is known as Saptasrota [‘seven
sources’] because the river of heaven [the
Svardhunī, the Ganges] sprouts there and, to the
satisfaction of the seven different sages, divides
herself into the seven currents we know as her
branches. (53) By bathing regularly there,
sacrificing in the fire according to the regulative
principles and fasting on drinking water only,
Dhṛtarāṣṭra has completely subdued his mind and
senses and is thus freed from begging for food [in
that wonderful incident, oh son of the Kuru-
his family dependence]. (54) With the help of
dynasty, will, with mixed feelings of delight and
sitting postures, breath control and turning one's
grief, then leave that place for the sake of visiting
mind inward away from the six senses, one can,
holy places.' (60) After Nārada thus had addressed
absorbed in the Lord, conquer the contaminations
the king he, together with his stringed instrument,
of passion, goodness and ignorance. (55) By
rose up into heaven. Yudhiṣṭhira, taking his
allowing his self to merge with the wisdom and
instructions to heart, thereupon gave up all his
the wisdom to merge with the pure witnessing, he
lamentation."
has united himself with the Absolute [brahman],
the foundation of pure existence, the same way the
air within a pot merges with the space outside of *: Vidura is a younger brother of Dhṛtarāṣṭra. He
it. (56) When he, no longer hindered in renouncing was born as a śūdra, a laborer, because of being
all his duties, sits down concentrated without conceived by Vyāsa from a maidservant of the
moving a limb, his senses and mind because of his mother of Pāṇḍu.
breaking with the effects of the operating modes
of nature, will no longer be fed and come to a full **: Aryamā was a son of Aditi and Kaśyapa
stop. (57) I expect that he will quit his body five officiating for Yamarāja the Lord of punishment.
days from now, oh King, and let it turn into ashes. Vidura is considered the śūdra incarnation of
(58) While she outside observes the body of her Yamarāja.
husband [mystically] catching fire along with his
cottage, his chaste wife in full awareness will
follow him in the blaze. (59) Vidura, witnessing
!
Canto 1 37
Chapter 14 messenger of death and the shrieks of the owls and

their rivals the crows make my heart tremble as if
The Disappearance of Kṛṣṇa
they wish the void of the cosmos. (15) Oh Bhīma,
(1) Sūta said: "Arjuna went to the city of Dvārakā see how smoke circles in the sky and how the
to see his friends and Kṛṣṇa, the One Glorified in earth is throbbing along with the hills and
the Vedic Hymns, in order to know what His mountains with loud thunderbolts out of the blue
further plans were. (2) After a few months had of a cloudless sky. (16) The wind blows sharply
passed, and Arjuna had not returned from there, creating darkness with the dust and rain pours like
Yudhiṣṭhira observed various fearful signs. (3) The blood from the clouds as an omnipresent disaster.
time had taken an inauspicious turn: he observed (17) The sun is shining less - see how the stars in
seasonal irregularities and saw that human beings the sky seem to clash into one another and how the
sinfully turned to anger, greed and falsehood in living beings are confounded and agitated as if
heartening their civil means of livelihood. (4) they are crying. (18) Rivers and their tributaries,
There was cheating in ordinary transactions, the lakes and the mind are all perturbed while fire
dishonesty mixed itself in the regard of well- does not ignite with the help of butter. What is this
wishers, fathers, mothers and brothers and also extraordinary time? What is going to happen? (19)
between man and wife there was quarrel. (5) The The calves do not suck the teats and the cows do
people gradually were acquiring godless habits not want to be milked looking afraid as if they are
like wantonness and such. The king facing these weeping, while the bulls do not take pleasure in
serious matters and bad omens, spoke with his the pasture ground. (20) The deities seem to be
younger brother about it. crying and perspiring as if they want to leave the
temple and also the cities, villages, towns,
(6) Yudhiṣṭhira said [to Bhîma]: 'Arjuna went to gardens, mines and hermitages have lost their
Dvârakâ to see his friends and to learn about beauty being bereft of all happiness. What sort of
Krishna's plans. (7) It is now seven months ago calamities will befall us? (21) I think that all these
that your younger brother left, oh Bhīmasena, and great upsurges manifest out of the need for the
I do not know exactly why he does not return. (8) marks of the lotus feet of the Supreme Personality
Might it be so that, as Nārada told us, the Supreme - the earth bereft of the extraordinary signs of the
Personality has decided it is time to leave this Supreme Person misses that fortune.'
physical manifestation of Himself? (9) We owe
our wealth, kingdom and wives to Him. By His (22) Oh brahmin, while the king [Yudhiṣṭhira]
grace the existence of the dynasty and the life of thus was thinking to himself observing the bad
our subjects has become possible and because of omens, Arjuna returned from the kingdom of the
His mercy we could defeat our enemies and [live Yadus. (23) Bowing down at the feet of the king
for a better] world. (10) Just look, oh man with the his dejection was unprecedented with the tears that
strength of a tiger, at the position of the planets, fell from the lotus eyes of his downward looking
how things are faring on earth and what is face. (24) Seeing Arjuna pale with a heart full of
happening to the body and the mind. All these anxiety, the king, who remembered what Nārada
dreadful signs deluding our intelligence indicate a had said, questioned him in the midst of the
great danger in the near future. (11) Again and friends. (25) Yudhiṣṭhira said: 'Are our Yadu
again my thighs, eyes, arms and the left side of my relatives of Madhu, Bhoja, Daśārha, Ārha, Sātvata
body are quivering and I have heart palpitations and Andhaka all happy passing their days in
due to fear. This is all indicative of undesirable Dvārakā? (26) Is also my respectable [maternal]
happenings. (12) See, oh Bhīma, how the jackal grandfather Śūrasena in good health passing his
frantically cries at sunrise and how the dog barks last days and are my [maternal] uncle Vasudeva
at me without any fear. (13) Oh tiger among man, and his younger brothers all well? (27) Are my
the cows leave me [left] aside and the other aunts - his wives - all the seven sisters headed by
animals are turning around me while my horses Devakī herself, all happy with their sons and
seem to weep. (14) The pigeon appears like a daughters-in-law? (28-29) Is King Ugrasena,
!
whose son was so wicked [Kamsa] still alive? Are

his younger brother, Hṛdīka and his son Kṛtavarmā
and Akrūra, Jayanta, Gada, Sārana as also Śatrujit
and the rest all happy? Is also Balarāma, the
Supreme Personality, the protector of the devotees,
doing well? (30) Are the great warrior Pradyumna
[a son of Kṛṣṇa] and all others of the Vṛṣṇi family
happy? And is the in every respect powerful,
plenary expansion of Kṛṣṇa Aniruddha [a
grandson of Kṛṣṇa] faring well? (31) And how are
Suṣena, Cārudeṣna and Sāmba, the son of
Jāmbavatī, doing, as also the other eminent sons of
Kṛṣṇa and their sons like Riṣabha? (32-33) Are
likewise the constant companions of Kṛṣṇa such as
Śrutadeva, Uddhava and others, as also Sunanda,
Nanda and the other leaders and liberated souls of
excellence doing well? And are all those who are
bound in friendship under the protection of
Balarāma and Kṛṣṇa, also thinking of our well-
being? (34) Is the Supreme Lord, who is the
pleasure of the cows and the senses and always
cares for the devotees and the brahmins, enjoying
His assembly hall surrounded by His friends in the
city [Dvārakā]? (35-36) In order to protect and
elevate all the worlds, the Original, Supreme
Enjoyer resides together with Ananta [Balarāma] for the protection of the brahmins, the children,
in the company of the ocean of members of the the cows, the elderly, the diseased and the women,
Yadu dynasty. In His city the members of the Yadu were you unable to offer shelter to any of them
family enjoy the deserved protection of His arms approaching you and deserving your care? (42)
and relish the same transcendental pleasure as the Have you contacted a questionable woman, have
residents of heaven. (37) By giving priority to you treated an acceptable woman improperly
managing the comforts at His feet, the sixteen maybe or has your good self been defeated on the
thousand wives headed by Sathyabhāmā made the road by a superior power or by equals? (43) Have
Lord subdue the denizens of heaven, so that they you disregarded old men or boys who deserved to
could enjoy matters [like the Pārijāta tree] that are dine together with you or have you done
normally the privilege of the wives of [Indra,] the something abominable that is hard to forgive? (44)
controller of the thunderbolt. (38) The Yadus, Or is it so that you in your relation to the one most
enjoying the protection of His arms, always dear, my brother Arjuna, your heart's friend
fearlessly enter the Sudharmā assembly hall [Kṛṣṇa], you feel a void missing Him all the time?
which, procured by force [from Indra], was I can think of no other reason why you should
worthy of the best of gods. suffer such a mental distress.' "
(39) My dear brother, are you all healthy? You

appear to have lost your luster. Is it because of Chapter 15
missing the respect in being neglected, my brother,
for having been away too long? (40) Has someone
The Pāṇḍavas Retire
addressed you unfriendly with harsh words, or
could you not be charitable to someone asking or (1) Sūta said: "Arjuna, the friend of Kṛṣṇa, who
keep a promise? (41) Oh you who are approached was emaciated because of his separation from
!
Canto 1 39
Kṛṣṇa, thus was subjected to the various forms of all paid you tribute afterwards. (10) He [leading to
doubt and speculation of his elder brother the the great war] took the life of the husbands of the
king. (2) Because of his grief his mouth and lotus wives [of the Kurus] whose hair was condemned
heart had dried up and his bodily luster had to be loosened because the cluster of your wife's
vanished. Preoccupied with thoughts about the [Draupadī's] hair had been loosened, that was
Lord he was incapable of replying properly. (3) beautifully dressed and blessed for the great
The more he wiped the tears from his eyes and ceremony. Being caught by the miscreants [the
with great difficulty checked the force of his Kurus headed by Duḥśāsana] she in tears fell
sadness not seeing Him anymore, the more he down at the Feet. (11) He protected us when we
eagerly thought about Him in his affection and the ran into trouble, being endangered in the forest by
more distressed he became. (4) Remembering Him the intrigue of our enemies associated with
as a well-wisher, benefactor, friend and charioteer, Durvāsā Muni. The moment the sage arrived there
Arjuna, overwhelmed and heavily breathing, to eat with his ten thousand disciples, He by
addressed his eldest brother the king. (5) He said: simply accepting the remnants of the food before
'Oh great King, Lord Hari in the form of my they did, satisfied the three worlds as also the
friend, has left me. Now I am bereft of the munis. He did that at the time they were bathing,
amazing power that even astonished the gods. (6) I by giving them the thought that they had been fed
lost Him from whom being separated but for a already. (12) Under His influence I once could
moment all universes would appear unfavorable astonish the Lord with the Trident [Śiva] and his
and void of all life, like they are all dead. (7) By wife, the daughter of the Himalaya, because of
the strength of His mercy I could vanquish the which he and other gods awarded me their
power of all the lusty princes during the selection weapons. That is how I, in this body, managed to
of the bridegroom at King
Drupada's palace where I
gained Draupadī's hand by
piercing the fish-target with
my bow. (8) With Him at
my side I was able to defeat
Indra and his godly
associates and could thus
enable the god of fire to set
ablaze his forest. With His
support we could realize
our wonderfully built
assembly house that was
designed by Maya [out of
gratitude for saving him
from that fire in the forest
named Khāndava] where all
the princes assembled to
your honor bringing presents obtain a half-elevated seat in the House of Indra.
collected from all directions. (9) Under His (13) As a guest of that heaven I could with both
influence our younger brother [Bhīma], who has my arms, with the help of my bow Gāndīva, offer
the strength of a thousand elephants, managed to protection to Indra and all the gods, by killing the
kill him [Jarāsandha] whose feet were worshiped demon Nivātakavaca. I after all, oh descendant of
by the heads of many kings he wanted to sacrifice. King Ajamīdha, was empowered by Him, the
It was He who saved the kings who by Jarâsandha Supreme Personality whom I at present am bereft
had been brought [to his capital] to be sacrificed to of. (14) Because of His friendship alone I, seated
the lord of the ghosts [Mahābhairava, Śiva]. They on the chariot, could cross the insurmountable
!
ocean of the military strength of the Kauravas. (22-23) Oh King, in reply to your question about
Thanks to His friendship only, I could return with our friends and relatives in Dvārakā, I can tell you
the enormous wealth of the enemy, the brilliance that they lost their minds being cursed by the
of all the jewels I by force took from their heads. brahmins. Being drunk with rice wine, they killed
(15) It was He who by the power of His glance put one another with sticks, not even recognizing each
an end to my mental agitation concerning the other in that intoxicated state. Only four or five of
duration of life of all the fighters who with the them remained. (24) In general it is the program of
wealth of their chariots were positioned on the the Supreme Personality, our Lord, that sometimes
battlefield, oh great King. With the immensity of the living beings kill one another and at other
great royal personalities like Bhīṣma, Karṇa, times protect each other. (25-26) Like in the ocean
Droṇa and Śalya, He was the one driving me where the bigger creatures eat the smaller ones
forward from their ranks. (16) Under His and the stronger devour the weaker, oh King, the
protection the very powerful invincible weapons Omnipotent One in one stroke removed the burden
wielded by Droṇa, Bhīṣma, Karṇa, Bhūriśravā, of all the Yadus from the earth by having the
King Suśarmā, Śalya, King Jayadratha, Bāhlika [a stronger Yadu in a fight kill the weaker one and
brother of Bhīṣma] etc., could not touch me, just the bigger Yadu kill the smaller one. (27) Bearing
like it was when Prahlāda [the famous devotee of in mind the words spoken by Govinda, I
Nṛsimhadeva, the lion-incarnation] was remember how attractive they are, and how they,
compromised by the demons. (17) Thinking imbued with importance and appropriate to time
wrongly about my Lord as being my chariot and circumstance, put an end to the pain in the
driver, about Him whose feet are served by the heart.' "
intelligent souls for the sake of salvation, the
hostile charioteers by His mercy did not take (28) Sūta said: "Thus thinking of the lotus feet of
notice and did not attack me when I alighted for the Lord and what He had instructed in the
my thirsty horses. (18) Oh King, remembering intimacy of their deep friendship, Arjuna, with his
how He with a smiling face made jokes, was frank mind freed from all material concerns, found his
with me and addressed me with 'son of Pṛthā', calm. (29) Constantly remembering the feet of
'Arjuna My friend' and 'son of the Kuru dynasty' Vāsudeva, Arjuna's devotion increased rapidly so
and such, my soul is overwhelmed by these that the endless ruminations ended. (30) He again
heartfelt words of Mādhava [Kṛṣṇa]. (19) When thought of the spiritual instructions the Supreme
we were sleeping, sitting, walking and dining Lord gave in the midst of the battlefield. By
together and truthfully confronted each other and thinking of His time and actions he dispelled the
so on, I took Him erroneously for a friend equal to darkness of his ignorance and became the master
me. Despite regarding Him lower in my of his senses. (31) Free from lamentation, by his
misconduct, He tolerated me, glorious in His spiritual capacity managing to cut with the doubts
greatness, the way a friend accepts a friend or a that were raised by the duality of being identified
father accepts his child. (20) Oh Emperor, without with the material world, he, due to the
the Supreme Personality, my dear most friend and transcendence of being without a material form,
well-wisher, my heart and soul are vacant. was freed from the entanglement of birth and
Recently I, just like a weak woman, was defeated death. (32) Yudhiṣṭhira, listening to the
by infidel cowherds while I was protecting Kṛṣṇa's deliberations about the end of the Yadu dynasty
wives. (21) Having the same bow, arrows, chariot and the disappearance of the Supreme Lord to His
and horses, I am the same Arjuna and chariot abode, undisturbed within made up his mind [to
fighter to whom all the kings offered their leave] in favor of the way to heaven. (33) Also
respects. But with Him absent, all of this in a Queen Kuntī, who had overheard what Arjuna told
single moment has become as useless as butter about the end of the Yadus and the disappearance
offered to ashes, as money obtained by magic or of the Lord, found, absorbed in the soul, release
as seeds sown on barren land. from her material existence in pure devotion unto
the Lord who was now [fully] situated beyond the
!
Canto 1 41
senses. (34) By taking away from the world the He headed for the north, just like all others
burden constituted by the body [of the Yadu following the path of his mindful forefathers,
dynasty], the Unborn Lord equal in His control constantly in his heart thinking about the Supreme
rejected both the thorn [of the opposing military One in the Beyond, without turning back from
forces] that was removed and the thorn [of his wherever he went.
own family] He used for its removal. (35) Just like
with His Matsya incarnation and other (45) Like their friend seeing that the age of Kali
incarnations, like a magician giving up one body and its irreligion had overtaken the citizens on
in order to accept another, He relinquished the earth, all his brothers took the decision to follow
body by which He relieved the burden of the him and left home. (46) They had performed
world. (36) When Mukunda [the Lord of everything worthy of a saint and kept themselves,
Liberation], the Fortunate One so worthwhile to with the ultimate goal of the Supreme Soul in
hear about, left this earth, from that day on Kali[- mind, steadfast to the lotus feet of the Lord of
yuga] manifested itself in full, the age so Vaikunṭha. (47-48) That is the destination of those
inauspicious to all who in ignorance are not in who, purified by meditation, in their devotion
control of their minds [who have not awakened]. found liberation in fixing their mind on the
transcendental feet of the One Nārāyaṇa. With
(37) When Yudhiṣṭhira grasped what was going on their material contaminations washed away, they
in his capital, state and home as also in the self, attained, in the same bodies they were born with,
observing how everything became worse in a the abode so difficult to attain for materialists who
vicious circle of avarice, falsehood, dishonesty, are absorbed in material concerns. (49) Vidura
irreligion, violence and so on, he understood that it also returned to his abode [Yama's realm]. With
was time to leave and dressed himself accordingly. his consciousness absorbed in Krishna, he
(38) His grandson [Parīkṣit], who was properly accompanied by his forefathers quitted his
trained and in every respect was as qualified as he physical self at Prabhāsa. (50) And so did
was, was by the emperor for the occasion Draupadī who realized that her husbands did not
enthroned in the capital of Hastināpura as the care about her anymore. She focussed her mind on
master of all land bordered by the seas. (39) At Vāsudeva, the Supreme Personality of Godhead,
Mathurā he made Vajra [the son of Aniruddha] and reached Him thus. (51) Anyone who with
king of Śūrasena, after which he had a prājāpatya devotion hears about this departure for the
sacrifice performed in order to find the fire for ultimate goal of the sons of Pāṇḍu who are so dear
attaining his goal in himself. (40) Renouncing his to the Supreme Lord, will find nothing but good
belt, ornaments and all of that, he became fortune and purity, will gain in perfection and
uninterested, being detached in having broken attain the devotional service of the Lord."
with the endless bondage. (41) He withdrew his
speech into his mind, his mind and his other *: Hindu widows keep their hair loosened as a
senses into his breath, his breath he withdrew in sign of lifelong mourning in respect of their
death and in full resignation then united that with deceased husbands.
the body composed of the five elements. (42)
Having offered those five elements to the three
qualities of nature, he united them in one
combination and that he offered in the thoughtful Chapter 16
self. Next he fixed that sum total in the soul and How Parīkṣit Received the Age of Kali
that soul in the inexhaustible Absolute Self,
Brahman. (43) Accepting torn clothes and refusing (1) Sūta said: "Oh scholars, Parīkṣit, the great
solid food, he stopped with talking. He untied his devotee, thereafter, being instructed by the best
hair and not listening to anyone anymore as if he brahmins, ruled over the earth with all the
had become deaf, he thus began to look like a qualities that the astrologers, who predicted the
dumb madman and an irresponsible urchin. (44) future at the time of his birth, thought he would
!
about the divine pastimes of

the Supreme Lord. (9)
Those after all who are
lazy, have a dull mind and
are short-lived, pass their
days and nights with
aimless activities and
sleeping."
(10) Sūta said: "When

Parīkṣit, residing in the
Kuru capital, learned that
the signs of Kali-yuga had
entered the domain of his
jurisdiction, he considered
the news not very palatable
and took up his bow and
arrows to meet the conflict
with military means. (11)
have. (2) He married with Irāvatī, the daughter of Well decorated under the protection of the lion in
King Uttara, and begot four sons in her of whom his flag and with black horses pulling his chariot,
Janamejaya was the first. (3) At the Ganges he he left the capital accompanied by charioteers,
performed three horse sacrifices wherein the cavalry, elephants and infantry troops to assure
demigods showed themselves. Kṛpācārya, whom himself of a victory. (12) Bhadrāśva, Ketumāla,
he had selected as his spiritual master, was Bhārata, the northern countries of Kuru and
therefore awarded appropriately. (4) Once on a Kimpuruṣa behind the Himalayas were the lands
military campaign he, the valiant hero, by dint of on earth he conquered, maintaining his authority
his prowess managed to overpower the master of by exacting tribute. (13-15) Everywhere he went
Kali-yuga who had disguised himself as a king but he continuously heard what great souls his
who, lower than a śūdra [a laborer], was hurting forefathers were and found also indications of the
the legs of a cow and a bull." glorious acts of Lord Kṛṣṇa among the people he
met. He heard about his own deliverance from the
(5) Śaunaka inquired: "Why did he during his powerful rays of the weapon of Aśvatthāmā and
campaign subdue the master of Kali who dressed about the love and devotion for Lord Keśava
up as a king like a low śūdra was striking the legs [Kṛṣṇa as the killer of the demon Keśī, the mad
of a cow? Please, oh fortunate one, describe that to horse] among the descendants of Vṛṣṇi and Parthā.
us, if that would relate to the topics of Kṛṣṇa. (6) Extremely pleased therewith he gratefully, with
What is the use of other subjects that being eyes wide open of joy, rewarded the people
illusory do not relate to His lotus feet the nectar of magnanimously with clothes, necklaces and other
which is licked by the truth-loving souls? That riches. (16) He [Kṛṣṇa] who is [a manifestation] of
would be a waste of one's life! (7) Oh Sūta, those Lord Viṣṇu and Himself was obeyed by everyone,
among the mortal human beings who are sure to by serving as a chariot driver, presiding in
meet death here but who desire righteousness assemblies and acting as a servant, by being a
[truth and eternal life], call for the great lord of friend and a messenger and keeping watch at
death [Yamarāja] to perform the preparatory rites. night, acted with prayers and obeisances to the
(8) The great sages invite him because no one will liking of the God-fearing sons of Pāṇḍu. This
die as long as he, the great lord who causes the filled the king with devotion for His lotus feet.
end of life, is present here. Ah! May everyone in
the world drink from the nectar of the narrations
!
Canto 1 43
(17) Thus day after day absorbed in thoughts Truthfulness, cleanliness, compassion, self-
about the good qualities of his forefathers, not far control, magnanimity, contentment, straight-
away from where he was, a most peculiar incident forwardness, concentration, sense control,
took place. Let me tell you about it. (18) Dharma responsibility, equality, tolerance, equanimity and
[the personality of religion, a bull] who wandered loyalty. And certainly also knowledge,
around on [but] one leg [firmly], met a cow detachment, leadership, chivalry, influence, power,
[mother earth] with tears in her eyes, like she was dutifulness, independence, dexterity, beauty,
a mother who has lost her child. He questioned serenity and kindheartedness, as also ingenuity,
her. (19) Dharma said: 'Madam, are you in good gentility, mannerliness, determination,
health? Looking so sad with a gloomy face, oh knowledgeability, propriety, pleasantness,
mother, you seem to be afflicted by a disease or to joyfulness, immovability, faithfulness, fame and
be preoccupied with some relative far away. (20) dignity - all these and many others are the most
Do you lament my three weakened legs with me important everlasting qualities of the Supreme
standing [firmly] on one leg only, or is it because Lord, the never ever diminishing higher nature
you are exploited by meat eaters? Is it because the desired by those wishing for His greatness. I am
leading demigods are deprived of their sacrificial thanks to Him, the reservoir of all qualities and the
share or because the living beings increasingly home of the goddess of fortune, myself such an
suffer from scarcity, famine and drought? (21) Are abode, but I lament now that in His absence, Kali,
you grieving about the unhappy women and the source of all sins, is seen all over the
children on earth who [because of failing world. (31) I am lamenting both for me and for
marriages] have to miss the protection of their you, for the best of the enlightened souls, the gods
husbands and fathers or are you sorry about the and the ancestors in heaven, the sages and the
way one in the families of the learned souls acts devotees, as also for all people in their status
against the goddess of learning [by not being orientations in society. (32-33) Lakṣmī [the
directed at the Person anymore]? Or do you Goddess of Fortune] whose grace was sought by
lament the fact that most of them act non- Brahmā and others who for many days executed
brahminical in service of the ruling class [or even penances for her in surrender to the Lord, has
serve in business]? (22) Is it because the without hesitation forsaken her abode in the forest
descendants of the noble class under the influence of lotus flowers out of attachment to serve His all-
of Kali-yuga appear to have lost their minds and auspicious feet. With my body decorated with the
left and right have messed up the affairs of the impressions of the footprints with [the marks of]
state? Or is it because of the habits developed in the lotus flower, thunderbolt, flag and driving rod
society to take one's food and drink and how one of the Supreme Lord, the proprietor of all
dresses, bathes and has intercourse? (23) Or could opulence, I superseded beautifully the three
it be, oh mother, because of your heavy burden worlds. But, after my places [my worlds] had
now Hari, the Lord who diminished your burden obtained His splendor, He in the end has
has disappeared from sight, with you thinking of abandoned me who was so happy with it. (34) He
everything He did and the salvation He entails? who relieved me of the burden of the hundreds of
(24) Please inform me, oh reservoir of all riches, military divisions of atheist kings, incarnated [just
about the reason of your sadness that reduced you as well] for you in an attractive form in the Yadu
to such a weak state. Or has, oh mother, powerful family, because you, lacking in inner strength, had
Time that even subdues the most powerful soul, difficulty to keep standing. (35) Who, I ask you,
stolen away your good fortune extolled by the can tolerate it to be separated from the Supreme
demigods?' Original Person who with His loving glances,
smiles and hearty appeals defeated the strong
(25) Mother Earth replied: 'Oh Dharma, I will do attachment of His sweet and proud women and
my best to answer all the questions you asked me, made my hair [my grasses] stand on end out of
for you are with your four legs [the vidhi] present pleasure for being imprinted by His feet?'
in all the worlds to bring happiness. (26-30)
!
'Who do you think you are to kill here violently

the helpless ones under my protection! As an actor
dressed up like a God-conscious man, you appear
to be powerful but you behave like someone who
never saw the light of civilization [of being twice-
born]. (6) Do you think that, now Lord Kṛṣṇa and
the carrier of the bow the Gāndīva [Arjuna] have
disappeared from sight, you can secretly beat an
innocent cow? Being a culprit you thus deserve it
to be killed!'
(7) 'And you', [he said turning to the bull,] 'are you
just a bull that, as white as a lotus, moves on one
leg, having lost three legs, or are you some
demigod making us sad in the form of a bull? (8)
Except for you there has till now never been a
living being on earth that under the protection [of
the arms] of any of the kings of the Kuru dynasty,
had such grievance shedding tears. (9) Oh son of
Surabhi [the celestial cow], let me tell you, in my
kingdom there will be no lamentation. Therefore
do not fear the wicked fellow. And dear mother
cow, do not cry, as long as I am alive as the ruler
(36) While the [cow of mother] earth and [the bull and subduer of the envious ones, you will thrive!
of] dharma were thus conversing, Parīkṣit, who (10-11) Oh chaste one, he in whose state all kinds
was renown for being the saint among the kings, of living beings are terrified because of
arrived at the Sarasvatī river that was flowing to miscreants, will because of his inattentiveness lose
the east." his fame, longevity, fortune and good birth. It is
the supreme duty of the rulers to subdue for the
purpose of putting an end to the misery of the ones
suffering, Therefore I shall kill this most wretched
man who is so violent with other living beings.
Chapter 17 (12) Who has cut your three legs, oh four-legged
Punishment and Reward of Kali son of Surabhi? What happened to you has never
happened before in this royal state of kings who
(1) Sūta said: "There [at the Sarasvatī river] the live in obedience to Kṛṣṇa. (13) Oh bull, I wish
king observed how a lowly, wicked fellow, you all the best, you are honest and without
dressed like a prince, with a club was beating a offenses, tell me who has mutilated you and
cow and a bull who had no one to protect them. tarnished the reputation of the sons of Pṛthā. (14)
(2) The bull, that was as white as a lotus, terrified Those who make the sinless suffer will have to
of being beaten by the śūdra urinated and trembled fear me wherever they go, for I will curb the
out of fear, standing on one leg only. (3) The cow actions of the miscreants and restore the welfare of
also, on itself a religious example but now the virtuous souls. (15) The upstart of evil acts
rendered poor and distressed because of the śūdra towards innocent living beings I shall forthwith
who beat her legs, was without a calf and had tears defeat, whether he is a demigod from heaven with
in her eyes while she in her weakness hankered for armor and decorations or not. (16) It is the holy
some grass to eat. (4) Parīkṣit, well equipped with duty of the head of state always to protect the ones
bow and arrows, asked from his with gold who faithfully perform their duty and, according
embossed chariot with a thundering voice: (5) to the scriptures, chastise those who in this world
!
Canto 1 45
for other reasons than misfortune strayed from the the unfortunate and chaste one [mother earth]
path.' being deserted by Him, is now enjoyed by lower-
class people who, devoid of the culture of
(17) The personality of religion said: 'That what learning, pose as rulers in my place.'
you said to become free from the fear for distress
is befitting for someone of the Pāṇḍava dynasty, (28) After he thus had pacified the personalities of
the descendants of Pāṇḍu to whose qualities religion and mother earth, the great warrior took
attracted Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Lord, performed the up his sharp sword to kill Kali, the root cause of
duty of being a servant and such. (18) Oh greatest irreligion. (29) Realizing that the king wanted to
among the human beings, being bewildered as a kill him, Kali, stressed by the fear, abandoned his
consequence of all the differences of [philoso- royal attire and in full surrender bowed his head
phical and political] opinion, we cannot tell which down at the feet. (30) The hero who was kind to
person [or whatever] would be the cause of our the poor, a refuge for the people and worthy of
[human] suffering. (19) Some [philosophers], in being glorified, out of compassion with a smile
defiance of all duality, declare that one suffers refrained from killing the one fallen at his feet and
because of oneself, others speak of fate as the addressed him. (31) The king said: 'Because you
cause, some say that it is all due to karma, while surrendered yourself with folded hands to the
many other authorities say that material nature is maintainer of Arjuna's glory, you have nothing to
responsible. (20) Some also conclude that it is a fear. But that does not mean that you, as a friend
question that defies explanation and comprehen- of irreligion, just like that can stay in my kingdom.
sion. Who of them would be right in this matter, (32) With you physically present as a god of man,
oh sage among the kings, is left to your own the irreligion of greed, falsehood, robbery,
power of judgement.' " incivility, sin, misfortune, cheating, quarrel, vanity
and such, will be abound in the masses. (33) For
(21) Sūta said: "Parīkṣit, who attentively had that reason, oh friend of irreligion, you do not
followed what the personality of religion had to deserve it to remain in the vicinity of those places
say, oh best among the brahmins, mindfully where the experts of religion and the truth duly
replied. (22) The king said: 'Oh knower of the and expertly are of worship with sacrifices for the
duties, oh dharma in the form of a bull, you say Lord of Sacrifices. (34) In such sacrificial
this because the status of a wrong doer will also ceremonies the Supreme Personality of God, the
become the position of the one who points out the Lord, is worshiped as the Soul of all worshipable
wrong done [like the guru who takes up the karma deities. In that form He spreads welfare, for He is
of his follower]. (23) In other words, the Lord's the Supersoul efficacious for all desires, who is
ways within the material world can neither be put present both inside and outside, just like the air is
in words nor be conceived by living beings (24) for all that moves and does not move.' "
Penance, cleanliness, compassion and truthfulness
[tapas, śauca, dayā, satya] are your legs that thus (35) Sūta said: "That way being ordered by king
established the age of truth [Satya-yuga], but Parīkṣit, the personality of Kali trembled as he
because of irreligiosity three of them have broken saw him ready with a raised sword and speaking
in conceit, [clinging to] intercourse and like Yamarāja, the Lord of Death. (36) Kali said:
intoxication. (25) At present, oh personality of 'Wherever I may live under your order, oh
religion, you are hobbling along on the one leg of Emperor, I will always have to face the reign of
truthfulness while quarrel personified [Kali], who your bow and arrows. (37) Therefore please, oh
flourishes on deceit, irreligiously tries to destroy best of the protectors of the religion, allot me a
that leg too. (26) Because of the actions of the place where I may have a permanent stay under
Supreme Lord mother earth has been relieved of your rule.' "
the great burden that she, this cow, carried. His all-
auspicious footprints brought happiness (38) Sūta said: "Thus being petitioned, he gave Kali
everywhere. (27) Lamenting with tears in her eyes permission to dwell in places where the four sinful
!
activities of gambling, drinking, prostitution and

animal slaughter [dyūtam, pānam, striyah, sūnā]
were practiced. (39) Next to that the master, upon
his insistent begging, allotted him a place where
there is gold, for the passion for gold that brings
falsity, intoxication, lust and enmity, constitutes
the fifth sin. (40) Kali, directed by the son of
Uttarā, thus occupied the five places given to him
where irreligion is encouraged. (41) For that
reason a person desiring his well-being should
never resort to any of these places, especially not
the one who follows the path of liberation and
belongs to the royalty, the servants of the state and
the teachers. (42) By encouraging activities that
restored the bull's three lost legs of austerity,
cleanliness and compassion, the earth was
perfectly improved [by Parīkṣit]. (43-44) He at
present is [still] sitting on the earthly throne
entrusted by the king, the grandfather
[Yudhiṣṭhira] when he wished to withdraw into the
forest. From that rule this sage among the kings
and chief of the Kuru dynasty is now known in
Hastināpura as the most fortunate and famous
emperor. (45) Because of the belief of this king,
because of the rule over the earth of the son of
Abhimanyu, you all could initiate a sacrifice like
this."
not be confounded. (5) The personality of Kali,

Chapter 18
even though present everywhere, cannot flourish
Mahārāja Parīkṣit Cursed by a as long as the mighty ruler, the son of Abhimanyu,
Brahmin Boy is the one emperor. (6) The moment the Supreme
Lord left this earth, Kali, he who promotes
(1) Sūta said: "He [Parīkṣit] who in the womb of irreligion, appeared in this world. (7) The emperor
his mother was scorched by the weapon of the son never was of any enmity towards Kali. Like a bee
of Droṇa, did not die thanks to the mercy of the going for the nectar he enjoyed the essence that
Supreme Lord, Kṛṣṇa whose actions are auspicious things soon lead to perfection while
wonderful. (2) Cursed by an angry brahmin to acting differently that is never the case. (8) Kali,
expire because of a snake-bird, he was not who in the eyes of the weaker ones appears to be a
overwhelmed by the great fear [of death] because great power, is to the self-controlled soul a cause
he had surrendered his heart to the Supreme Lord. of apprehension, and thus [Parīkṣit], as a tiger
(3) After having understood the actual position of among man, was the one to take care among the
the Invincible One, he left behind the ones careless. (9) Upon your request I have related
surrounding him and, as a disciple of the son of almost all the stories that in relation to Vāsudeva
Vyāsa [Śukadeva Gosvāmī], gave up his material can be told about the pious Parīkṣit. (10) Those
body at the bank of the Ganges. (4) They who persons who desire their welfare should take
remember the feet of Supreme One Glorified in notice of each and every story about the Supreme
the Verses and know to appreciate and live with Lord's wonders, transcendental qualities and
His nectarine stories, will at the time of their death uncommon deeds I spoke about."
!
Canto 1 47
Him, the One unlimited in His attributes and equal

(11) The sages said: "O Sūta, may you live a long, to none, it suffices to say, that the Goddess of
happy and particularly eternally famous life, for Fortune, while rejecting others who asked for it,
you, speaking so nicely about Kṛṣṇa, grant us wished to serve in the dust of His feet, while He
mortals the nectar of eternity. (12) With the Himself never asked for it. (21) Who else would
performance of this sacrifice, the outcome of be worth the position of carrying the name of
which is uncertain, we are black of the smoke, but Supreme Lord besides Mukunda [Lord Kṛṣṇa as
with the pleasing of Govinda's feet by your good the one granting liberation] from whose toenails
self, we have the nectar of a lotus flower. (13) The the water emanated [of the Ganges] that was
attainment of higher worlds or liberation from collected by Brahmājī and purifies Lord Śiva and
matter, not even mentioning the attainment of the entire universe? (22) Those in control of
worldly benedictions by those who inevitably head themselves who are firmly attached to Him, are
for their death, is nothing compared to finding but capable of instantly leaving aside the attachments
for a moment one's perfect balance in enjoying the of the gross body and the subtle mind and go away
company of a devotee of the Lord. (14) Once to take shelter of the highest stage of perfection
having acquired the taste, someone will never get [sannyāsa], the stage of life characterized by
enough of relishing the nectar of the stories about nonviolence and renunciation. (23) Because you
the greatest and only refuge among the living [sages], who are as strong as the sun, asked me, I
beings, He whose transcendental qualities could can give you an account of the knowledge I have
never be estimated by even the greatest masters of acquired. It is in this matter as with the birds who
mystic union like Lord Brahmā and Lord Śiva. fly as far as they can; I can enlighten you on Viṣṇu
(15) Be so kind, oh learned one, to describe to us as far as my realization permits.
who are eager to hear about it, His impartial
transcendental activities. For He, Lord Hari, the (24-25) One day, when Parīkṣit was hunting stags
one and only shelter for the greatest of the great, is with bow and arrows, he got very fatigued,
for your good self the leading supreme personality. hungry and thirsty. Looking for a reservoir of
(16) As a first-class devotee of great intelligence, water he entered the hermitage of the famous ṛṣi
Parīkṣit evidently attained the lotus feet of Him Śamīka where he saw the sage silently sitting
who has Garuḍa in His banner, after having down with his eyes closed. (26) Having restrained
received from the son of Vyāsa the knowledge his sense organs and breath, he, with his mind and
about that what one calls the path of liberation. intelligence inactive and in quality equal to the
(17) Please tell us therefore the supreme and Supreme Absolute, being unaffected had achieved
purifying narrations of the so wonderful devotion transcendence above the three states of
in yoga. Describe, the way they were explained to consciousness [wakefulness, dreaming and
Parīkṣit, the activities of the Unlimited One dear dreamless sleep]. (27) He was covered by his long,
to the pure devotees." compressed hair as also by the skin of a stag. The
king, with a dry palate finding him in that state,
(18) Sūta said: "Just see how we, although of a asked for water. (28) Not being properly received
mixed birth, by serving those advanced in with a place to sit, water and nice words, he felt
knowledge [like Śuka], clearly have been disrespected and therefore got angry. (29) Oh
promoted to a higher birth. Being connected in brahmins, plagued by hunger and thirst being
conversation with the great [devotees] will soon inconsiderate himself, his anger and hostility
purify one from suffering a lack in quality because against the brahmin was unprecedented. (30)
of one's birth. (19) And what to say of those who Having lost his respect, he with the tip of his bow
sing the holy name under the protection of picked up a lifeless snake and placed it angrily
exclusively the great devotees who belong to Him, over the shoulder of the sage as he left to return to
He who is called Ananta because of the fact that his palace. (31) [There he wondered] whether or
He is unlimited in His potency and unmeasurably not this meditative state of withdrawal from the
great in His qualities? (20) To give a description of senses with closed eyes was a false, pretended
!
trance, maintained [by the sage] because he was the wheel of the chariot, is represented by this
just a lower ruler. monarch. Once he is abolished, this world will be
full of thieves who immediately will vanquish the
(32) When the sage's son [named Śṛngī], who was unprotected souls like they are lambs. (44)
a very powerful personality, heard of the grief the Because of negating the monarch, from this day
king had caused his father while he was playing on, the reaction upon this sin will overtake us
with some children, he said this: (33) 'Just see how causing great social disruption. The wealth
irreligious these rulers are! Enriching themselves everywhere will be seized by thieves and among
like crows they, the servants, like dogs keeping the people there will be murder and molestation as
watch at the door, behave badly unto their master! also abuse of money, women and animals. (45)
(34) The sons of the ruling class are to guard the The righteous civilization, of humanity united in
brahminical order like watchdogs. On what proper conduct [of progress] in the vocations and
grounds would he, who is supposed to stay at the stages of life according to the Vedic injunctions,
door, deserve it to enter the house of the master will at that time systematically be vanquished. As
and eat from the same pot? (35) Since Kṛṣṇa our a consequence the economy, then only serving
protector, who is the Supreme Lord and ruler of sense-gratification, will result in an unwanted
those upstarts, has departed, I shall today punish population on the level of dogs and monkeys. (46)
them myself, just witness my power!' (36) Thus The protector of the religion, the king, is a highly
with eyes red-hot of anger speaking to his celebrated emperor, a direct, first class devotee of
playmates, the son of the ṛṣi touched the water of the Lord, a saint of nobility and a great performer
the Kauśika river and released the following of horse sacrifices. When he, hungry and thirsty, is
thunderbolt of words: (37) 'Verily, seven days stricken with fatigue, he never deserves it to be
from now the wretched soul of the dynasty who cursed by us like this.'
offended my father will, because of breaking with
the etiquette, be bitten by a snake-bird.' (38) When
(47) The sage thereupon addressed the Supreme,
the boy thereafter returned to the hermitage, he
All-pervading Lord, to beg His pardon for the
saw the snake over his father's shoulder and cried
great sin, committed by the child immature of
loudly over that sorry plight.
intelligence, against a sinless, worthy and
subordinate soul. (48) [He prayed:] 'Whether they
(39) Oh Śaunaka, when the ṛṣi heard his son are defamed, cheated, cursed, disturbed, neglected
lamenting, he, who was born in the family of or even when one of them is killed, the forbearing
Angirā, slowly opened his eyes and saw the dead devotees of the Lord for certain never will avenge
snake on his shoulder. (40) Throwing it aside, he themselves for any of this.' (49) The sage thus
asked: 'My dear son, what are you crying about? regretted the sin of his son and certainly did not
Has someone wronged you?' Thus being think that the insult by the king was a sin. (50)
requested, the boy told him everything. (41) After Generally the saints in this world prove
hearing about the curse pronounced against the themselves not distressed or happy when they by
king, who as the best among man did not deserve others are involved in worldly dualities, for they
that, he did not compliment his son, but lamented are situated in the transcendence of the soul."
instead: 'Alas! What a great sin you have
committed yourself today in awarding such a
heavy punishment for an offense as insignificant
as this! (42) In fact no one may ever place a
Chapter 19
sovereign ruler, a god among man who is known
to be transcendental, on an equal footing with The Appearance of Śukadeva Gosvāmī
common men - your command of intelligence is
immature... completely protected by his (1) Sūta said: "The king felt that what he had done
unsurpassable prowess his subjects enjoy all was something abominable and thought most
prosperity. (43) Oh my boy, the Lord, who carries depressed: 'Alas, it was uncivilized and evil what I
!
Canto 1 49
did to the faultless, grave and powerful brahmin. both the worlds [inside and outside] and even the
(2) Because of the contempt of what I did against Lord of Destruction [Lord Śiva]. Which person
that godly person, I undoubtedly very soon will destined to die would not turn to that river? (7) In
meet with a very troublesome calamity. I certainly a spirit not deviating from the vows of the sages
hope that that will happen, so that I will be he would free himself from all kinds of material
relieved of my sins and never do anything like that attachments. With that decision he, the worthy
again. (3) May I, on this very day, burn with my descendant of the Pāṇḍavas, sitting down at the
kingdom, strength and wealth of riches in the fire river which flows from the feet of Viṣṇu,
ignited by the brahmin community, so that the surrendered himself to the mercy of Mukunda till
inauspiciousness of sinful thinking against the he died.
Lord, the twice-born souls and the cows, may
never happen to me again.' (4) Thus pondering, the (8) All the great minds and thinkers who together
message reached him of the curse of death with their pupils are capable of purifying the entire
pronounced by the sage's son. That curse in the world, then came to gather there on the plea of
form of the fire of a snake bird, he accepted as making a pilgrimage. It is because of their
auspicious because that impending happening personal presence that the holy places enjoy their
would be the consequence of his indifference status of sanctity. (9-10) Atri, Cyavana, Śaradvān,
about worldly affairs. (5) He decided to forsake Ariṣṭanemi, Bhṛgu, Vasiṣṭha, Parāśara, Viśvāmitra,
this world as also the next, for he already had Angirā, Paraśurāma, Uthathya, Indrapramada,
concluded that both worlds were inferior Idhmavāhu, Medhātithi, Devala, Ārṣṭisena,
compared to a life of service at the feet of Krishna Bhāradvāja, Gautama, Pippalāda, Maitreya,
he considered the greatest achievement. So he sat Aurva, Kavaṣa, Kumbhayoni, Dvaipāyana and the
down at the bank of the transcendental river [the great personality Nārada arrived. (11) Also many
Ganges] in order to fast. (6) That river, always other divine personalities, saintly brahmins, the
flowing mixed with tulasī leaves [a plant used in best saintly advisors of the most prominent nobles
worship], consists of the auspicious water carrying and many other sages like Aruna appeared to the
the dust from the feet of Lord Kṛṣṇa that sanctifies occasion. All the heads of the dynasties of sages
!
assembling there were respectfully welcomed by desire to achieve association with the Fortunate
the emperor bowing his head. (12) After they all One. (21) We will all stay at this place for as long
sat comfortably he, again having offered them his as it takes this foremost devotee to give up his
obeisances, thereupon humbly spoke about his body and return to the world of the Supreme One,
decision to fast, with folded hands standing before where he will be completely free from worldly
them as someone whose mind is detached from concerns and lamentation.'
worldly affairs. (13) The king said: 'We are truly
grateful to be the most fortunate of all the kings (22) After having heard the assembled sages speak
trained to receive the favors granted by the thus impartially, sweet to hear, grave and perfectly
greatest of souls, for at the feet of the brahmins the true, Parīkṣit complimented them all with their
royal orders are but refuse to be kept at a distance appropriate show of respect and said, desirous to
because of their reprehensible actions. (14) hear about the activities of Viṣṇu: (23) 'You from
Because of my sins, the Controller of the all directions have assembled here as
transcendental and mundane worlds in the form of embodiments of the Vedic knowledge maintained
that brahmin's curse, very soon will be the cause above the three worlds, with no other intention in
of my detachment from them, I who, always this world or a world hereafter but to act for the
thinking of family matters, was affected by fear. good of others according to your innate nature.
(15) Therefore, oh brahmins, just accept me as (24) Therefore I beg you, trustworthy Vedic men
someone who with the Lord in his heart has taken of learning, to tell me which of all the different
shelter of the Ganges, the divine mother. Let the duties for each person and especially for those
snakebird, or whatever magical thing the twice- who are about to die, you consider to be the
born soul called for, bite me forthwith. And you, proper one [for me].'
please continue with the stories about Viṣṇu. (16)
And, again, let it be so that wherever that I, in (25) At that moment the powerful son of Vyāsa,
relation to the Supreme, Unlimited Lord and the Śukadeva Gosvāmī appeared. Dressed like a
association He attracts in the material world, may mendicant he, satisfied in self-realization, freely
take birth, I will find friendly relations everywhere traveled around the earth surrounded by children
with obeisances unto the twice-born souls.' and without distinguishing marks of identity or
any concern about material comforts. (26) Sixteen
(17) And thus it came to pass that the king, having years of age, he had a body with delicate legs,
arrived at that resolve, fully self-controlled seated hands, thighs, arms, shoulders and forehead. His
himself on kuśa grass laid to the east, while facing eyes were beautifully wide in a face with a high
the north from the southern bank of the wife of the nose, similar ears, nice eyebrows and a neck as
sea [the Ganges]. The charge of his administration shapely as a conch shell. (27) With a fleshy
he had handed over to his son. (18) To that collarbone, a broad chest and a deep navel he had
occasion the gods, who from the sky had seen that nice folds in his abdomen. Stark naked with curly,
the king would fast until his end, all in praise scattered hair and long arms he had the hue of the
scattered the earth with flowers, continually best among the gods [of Kṛṣṇa; a dark
beating celestial drums in pleasure. (19) All the complexion]. (28) Even though he covered his
great sages who had assembled there praised him nakedness the sages, who had a keen eye for
for the wisdom he had thus shown. In approval physiognomy, recognized the symptoms of the
they, from the power of their goodness for the blackish skin, the eternal beauty of his tender age
living beings, a quality of heart equal to the and the attraction for the fair sex with his beautiful
character of Him praised in the scriptures, smiles. And so they all stood up from their seats.
thereupon said: (20) 'It is not astonishing at all that (29) To welcome the new guest, he who is always
you, oh saintly king, oh chief of all of us who protected by Viṣṇu [Parīkṣit] bowed before him to
strictly follow Kṛṣṇa, being seated on the throne offer his obeisances, whereupon his less educated
that is decorated with the helmets of kings, as following of boys and women immediately
immediate like this gave up your life in your withdrew as he took his exalted seat in regard of
!
Canto 1 51
the respect shown. (30) Surrounded there by the Thus the first Canto of the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam
greatest of the great saints among the brahmins, ends named: Creation.
the kings and the godly souls, Śukadeva shone, as
the greatest lord, as resplendent as the moon
surrounded by the planets, heavenly bodies and
stars. (31) Calm, intelligent and self-assured Translation: Anand Aadhar Prabhu, http://
sitting down, the sage was approached by the great bhagavata.org/c/8/AnandAadhar.html
devotee, the king, who properly bowing down
with folded hands asked him questions in a polite Production: the Filognostic Association of The
and friendly manner. Order of Time, with special thanks to Sakhya Devī
Dāsī for proofreading and correcting the
(32) Parīkṣit said: 'Oh brahmin, what a blessing it manuscript. http://theorderoftime.com/info/guests-
is for us, kṣatriya friends, by the mercy of you friends.html
being our guest to have been chosen today as a
servant of the devotee, by the visit of your good Copyright: Creative Commons Attribution-
self to be allowed to find our way. (33) Thinking Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License
of your person, immediately all the places we © 2016 Anand Aadhar: one must attribute to the
inhabit are purified, not even mentioning what it name Anand Aadhar and provide a link to the
means to see you, touch you, wash your feet and website http://bhagavata.org; adaptation,
offer you a seat! (34) By your presence, oh great uploading and printing is allowed for non-
mystic, a person's gravest sins are immediately commercial use and distributing the resulting work
vanquished, like what happens to nonbelievers in can only be under the same or similar license to
the presence of Viṣṇu. (35) Finally Kṛṣṇa, the this one.
Supreme Lord so dear to the sons of Pāṇḍu, is
satisfied with me and has, for the satisfaction of For the different copyrights of the pictures
His cousins and brothers, has accepted me, their see the chapter reference at the bottom of each
descendant, as one of theirs. (36) How else could page at http://bhagavata.org. The Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa
image on the front title page is by Indra Sharma.
it be possible that you, out of your own, especially
for someone in his last hours before death, have
Email from http://bhagavata.org/email.html.
appeared here to meet us, while you normally, all-
perfect as you are, move unseen among the
Reference: For this original translation next to the
common people? (37) Therefore I beg you as the
Monier Williams Sanskrit dictionary and the
supreme spiritual master of all ascetics, what for a
ISKCON site vedabase.net, the Sāstrī C.L.
person in this life would be the path of perfection,
Goswami version of the Gita Press has been used.
and especially what that would mean for someone
The source texts, audio read files and music to this
about to die. (38) Please explain what a person
translation one can find following the links from:
should attend to and meditate on, oh master, what
http://bhagavata.org/
he should do, what he should think of and should
serve, as also what would be against the principle.
For relevant links see the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam
(39) This I ask you because, oh supreme devotee,
Treasury: http://bhagavata.org/treasury/links.html.
one at the homes of the householders rarely sees
you staying longer than the exact time of milking
a cow.' "
(40) Sūta said: "Thus pleasantly being addressed

and questioned by the king, the supreme son of
Vyāsadeva, so well versed in the knowledge of
one's actual duty, began his reply."

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Kṛṣṇa Dvaipāyana Vyāsadeva

The Story of the Fortunate One

(Vaiṣṇava), a bhakti (devotional) monk of Lord

one cannot use the text for commercial purposes.

With love and devotion,

(1) Let there be the salutation of the original

(2) In this book deceitful religiosity [of ulterior

(1) Delighted with the correct questions of the

poor fund of knowledge, just like fools cannot

(40) "This book called the Bhāgavatam about the

*: The paramparā adds here that even though Chapter 4

masses of common people for whom there is no

(1) Sūta said: "After thus hearing from the great

(5) Śrī Nārada said: 'The great sages in my

does not know that in the

You are the Almighty One who

approach. (58) The sons of Pāṇḍu together with

*: Brahmā once was attracted to his daughter. Śiva

(1) Sūta said: "They [the Pāṇḍavas] together with

with their disciples and also

(9) Bhīṣmadeva, the best

(43) Sūta said: "With his mind, speech, sight and

and traversed the

Lord and protector of righteousness, took away the

her offspring? Has the old

(35) Sūta said: "Sañjaya,

stronger ones. (48) Look therefore only for Him,

(51) Dhṛtarāṣṭra, his brother Vidura and his wife

Chapter 14 messenger of death and the shrieks of the owls and

whose son was so wicked [Kamsa] still alive? Are

(39) My dear brother, are you all healthy? You

about the divine pastimes of

(10) Sūta said: "When

'Who do you think you are to kill here violently

activities of gambling, drinking, prostitution and

not be confounded. (5) The personality of Kali,

Him, the One unlimited in His attributes and equal

(40) Sūta said: "Thus pleasantly being addressed

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