अम्बरीषचरितम् – १ (श्रीमद्भागवतम्, स्कन्धः ९, अध्यायः ४)
[The
English translation is largely based on that of the disciples of His
Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada as given in the “Srimad
Bhagavatam” published by the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust]
English translation is largely based on that of the disciples of His
Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada as given in the “Srimad
Bhagavatam” published by the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust]
नाभागो नभगापत्यं यं ततं भ्रातरः कविम्।
यविष्ठं व्यभजन् दायं ब्रह्मचारिणमागतम्॥ १॥
Sukadeva Goswami said : The son of Nabhaga
named Naabhaaga lived for a long time at the place of his spiritual
master. Therefore, his brothers thought
that he was not going to become a grihasta and would not return. Consequently, without providing a share for
him, they divided the property of their father
among themselves. When Naabhaaga
returned from the place of his spiritual master, they gave him their father as
his share.
named Naabhaaga lived for a long time at the place of his spiritual
master. Therefore, his brothers thought
that he was not going to become a grihasta and would not return. Consequently, without providing a share for
him, they divided the property of their father
among themselves. When Naabhaaga
returned from the place of his spiritual master, they gave him their father as
his share.
भ्रातरोऽभाङ्क्त किं मह्यं भजाम पितरं तव।
त्वां ममार्यास्तताभाङ्क्षुर्मा पुत्रक तदादृथाः॥२॥
Naabhaaga enquired, “ My dear brothers,
what have you given to me as my share of
our father’s property?” His brothers
answered, “We have kept our father as your share.” But when Naabhaaga went to his father and
said, “My dear father, my elder brothers have given you as my share of
property,” the father replied, “My dear son, do not rely upon their cheating
words, I am not your property.”
what have you given to me as my share of
our father’s property?” His brothers
answered, “We have kept our father as your share.” But when Naabhaaga went to his father and
said, “My dear father, my elder brothers have given you as my share of
property,” the father replied, “My dear son, do not rely upon their cheating
words, I am not your property.”
इमे अङ्गिरसः सत्रमासतेऽद्य सुमेधसः।
षष्ठं षष्ठमुपेत्याहः कवे मुह्यन्ति कर्मणि ॥३॥
Naabhaaga’s father said: All the
descendants of Angiras are now going to perform a great sacrifice , but
although they are very intelligent, on every sixth day they will be bewildered
in performing sacrifice and will make mistakes in their daily duties.
descendants of Angiras are now going to perform a great sacrifice , but
although they are very intelligent, on every sixth day they will be bewildered
in performing sacrifice and will make mistakes in their daily duties.
तांस्त्वं शंसय सूक्ते द्वे वैश्वदेवे महात्मनः।
ते स्वर्यन्तो धनं सत्रपरिशेषणमात्मनः॥४॥
दास्यन्ति तेऽथ तानर्छ तथा स कृतवान् यथा।
तस्मै दत्त्वा ययुः स्वर्गं ते सत्रपरिशेषणम् ॥५॥
Naabhaaga’s father continued: “ go to those great souls and describe two
Vedic hymns pertaining to Vaisvadeva.
When the great sages have completed the sacrifice and are going to the
heavenly planets, they will give you the remnants of the money they have
received from the sacrifice. Therefore,
go there immediately.” Thus Naabhaaga
acted exactly according to the advice of his father, and the great sages of the
Angira dynasty gave him all their wealth and then went to the heavenly planets/
Vedic hymns pertaining to Vaisvadeva.
When the great sages have completed the sacrifice and are going to the
heavenly planets, they will give you the remnants of the money they have
received from the sacrifice. Therefore,
go there immediately.” Thus Naabhaaga
acted exactly according to the advice of his father, and the great sages of the
Angira dynasty gave him all their wealth and then went to the heavenly planets/
तं कश्चित् स्वीकरिष्यन्तं पुरुषः कृष्णदर्शनः।
उवाचोत्तरतोऽभ्येत्य ममेदं वास्तुकं वसु ॥६॥
Thereafter, while Naabhaaga was
accepting the riches, a black-looking person from the North came to him and
said, “All the wealth from this sacrificial arena belongs to me.”
accepting the riches, a black-looking person from the North came to him and
said, “All the wealth from this sacrificial arena belongs to me.”
ममेदमृषिभिर्दत्तमिति तर्हि स्म मानवः।
स्यान्नौ ते पितरि प्रश्नः पृष्टवान् पितरं यथा ॥७॥
Naabhaaga then said, “These riches belong
to me. The great saintly persons have
delivered them to me.” When Naabhaaga said this, the black-looking person
replied, “Let us go to your father and ask him to settle our
disagreement.” In accordance with this,
Naabhaaga inquired from his father.
to me. The great saintly persons have
delivered them to me.” When Naabhaaga said this, the black-looking person
replied, “Let us go to your father and ask him to settle our
disagreement.” In accordance with this,
Naabhaaga inquired from his father.
यज्ञवास्तुगतं सर्वमुच्छिष्टमृषयः क्वचित्।
चक्रुर्हि भागं रुद्राय स देवः सर्वमर्हति ॥८॥
The father of Naabhaaga said: Whatever the
great sages sacrificed in the arena of the Daksha-Yajna, they offered to Lord
Siva as his share. Therefore ,
everything in the sacrificial arena certainly belongs to Lord Siva.
great sages sacrificed in the arena of the Daksha-Yajna, they offered to Lord
Siva as his share. Therefore ,
everything in the sacrificial arena certainly belongs to Lord Siva.
नाभागस्तं प्रणम्याह तवेश किल वास्तुकम्।
इत्याह मे पिता ब्रह्मञ्छिरसा त्वां प्रसादये ॥९॥
Thereupon, after offering obeisances to
Lord Siva, Naabhaaga said: O worshipable lord, everything in this arena of
sacrifice is yours. This is the
assertion of my father. Now, with great
respect, I bow my head before you, begging your mercy.
Lord Siva, Naabhaaga said: O worshipable lord, everything in this arena of
sacrifice is yours. This is the
assertion of my father. Now, with great
respect, I bow my head before you, begging your mercy.
यद् ते पितावदद् धर्मं त्वं च सत्यं प्रभाषसे।
ददामि ते मन्त्रदृशो ज्ञानं ब्रह्म सनातनम् ॥१०॥
Lord Siva said: Whatever your father has
said is the truth, and you also are speaking the same truth. Therefore, I, who know the Vedic mantras,
shall explain transcendental knowledge to you.
said is the truth, and you also are speaking the same truth. Therefore, I, who know the Vedic mantras,
shall explain transcendental knowledge to you.
गृहाण द्रविणं दत्तं मत्सत्रपरिशेषितम्।
इत्युक्त्वान्तर्हितो रुद्रो भगवान् धर्मवत्सलः ॥११॥
Lord Siva said, “Now you may take all the
wealth remaining from the sacrifice, for I give it to you.” After saying this, Lord Siva, who is most
adherent to the religious principles, disappeared from that place.
wealth remaining from the sacrifice, for I give it to you.” After saying this, Lord Siva, who is most
adherent to the religious principles, disappeared from that place.
य एतत् संस्मरेत् प्रातः सायं च सुसमाहितः।
कविर्भवति मन्त्रज्ञो गतिं चैव तथात्मनः ॥१२॥
If one hears and chants or remembers this narration in the morning and
evening with great attention, he certainly becomes learned, experienced in
understanding the Vedic hymns, and expert in self-realization.
evening with great attention, he certainly becomes learned, experienced in
understanding the Vedic hymns, and expert in self-realization.
नाभागादम्बरीषोऽभून्महाभागवतः कृती।
नास्पृशद् ब्रह्मशापोऽपि यं न प्रतिहतः क्वचित् ॥१३॥
From Naabhaaga, Maharaja Ambarisha took birth. Maharaja Ambarisha was an exalted devotee,
celebrated for his great merits.
Although he was cursed by an infallible brahmana, the curse could not
touch him.
celebrated for his great merits.
Although he was cursed by an infallible brahmana, the curse could not
touch him.
श्री राजोवाच –
भगवञ्छ्रोतुमिच्छामि राजर्षेस्तस्य धीमतः।
न प्राभूद् यत्र निर्मुक्तो ब्रह्मदण्डो दुरत्ययः ॥१४॥
King Parikshit enquired: O great
Personality, Maharaja Ambarisha was certainly most exalted and meritorious in
character. I wish to hear about him. How
surprising it is that the curse of a brahmana, which is insurmountable, could
not act upon him.
Personality, Maharaja Ambarisha was certainly most exalted and meritorious in
character. I wish to hear about him. How
surprising it is that the curse of a brahmana, which is insurmountable, could
not act upon him.
श्रीशुक उवाच–
अम्बरीषो महाभागः सप्तद्वीपवतीं महीम्।
अव्ययां च श्रियं लब्ध्वा विभवं चातुलं भुवि॥१५॥
मेनेऽतिदुर्लभं पुंसां सर्वं तत् स्वप्नसंस्तुतम्।
विद्वान् विभवनिर्वाणं तमो विशति यत् पुमान् ॥१६॥
Sukadeva Goswami said: Maharja Ambarisha, the most fortunate
personality, achieved the rule of the entire world, consisting of seven
islands, and achieved inexhaustible, unlimited opulence and prosperity on
earth. Although such a position is
rarely obtained, Maharaja Ambarisha did not care for it at all, for he
knew very well that all such opulence is
material. Like that which is imagined in a dream, such opulence will ultimately
be destroy. The King knew that any
nondevotee who attains such opulence merges increasingly into material nature’s
mode of darkness.
personality, achieved the rule of the entire world, consisting of seven
islands, and achieved inexhaustible, unlimited opulence and prosperity on
earth. Although such a position is
rarely obtained, Maharaja Ambarisha did not care for it at all, for he
knew very well that all such opulence is
material. Like that which is imagined in a dream, such opulence will ultimately
be destroy. The King knew that any
nondevotee who attains such opulence merges increasingly into material nature’s
mode of darkness.
वासुदेवे भगवति तद्भक्तेषु च साधुषु।
प्राप्तो भावं परं विश्वं येनेदं लोष्टवत् स्मृतम् ॥१७॥
Maharaja Ambarisha was a great devotee of
the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Vasudeva, and of the saintly persons who
are the Lord’s devotees. Because of this
devotion, he thought of the entire universe as being as insignificant as a lump
of clay.
the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Vasudeva, and of the saintly persons who
are the Lord’s devotees. Because of this
devotion, he thought of the entire universe as being as insignificant as a lump
of clay.
स वै मनः कृष्णपदारविन्दयो–
र्वचांसि वैकुण्ठगुणानुवर्णने।
करौ हरेर्मन्दिरमार्जानादिषु
श्रुतिं चकाराच्युतसत्कथोदये ॥१८॥
मुकुन्दलिङ्गालयदर्शने दृशौ
तद्भृत्यगात्रस्पर्शेऽङ्गसङ्गम्।
घ्राणं च तत्पादसरोजसौरभे।
श्रीमत्तुलस्या रसनां तदर्पिते ॥१९॥
पादौ हरेः क्षेत्रपदानुसर्पणे
शिरो हृषीकेशपदाभिवन्दने।
कामं च दास्ये न तु कामकाम्यया
यथोत्तमश्लोकजनाश्रया रतिः ॥२०॥
Maharaja Ambarisha always engaged his mind
in meditating upon the lotus feet of Krishna, his words in describing the
glories of the Lord, his hands in cleansing the Lord’s temple, and his ears in
hearing the words spoken by Krishna or about Krishna. He engaged his eyes in seeing the Deity of
Krishna, Krishna’s temples and Krishna’s places like Mathura and Vrindavanam he
engaged is sense of touch in touching the bodies of the Lord’s devotees, he
engaged his sense of smell in smelling the fragrance if tulasi offered to the
Lord and he engaged his tongue in tasting the Lord’s prasada. He engaged legs in walking to the holy places
and temples of the Lord, his head in bowing down before the Lord, and all his
desires in serving the Lord, twenty-four hours a day. Indeed, Maharaja Ambarisha never desired
anything for his own sense gratification.
He engaged all his senses in devotional service, in various engagements
related to the Lord. This is the way to
increase attachment for the Lord and be completely free from all material
desires.
in meditating upon the lotus feet of Krishna, his words in describing the
glories of the Lord, his hands in cleansing the Lord’s temple, and his ears in
hearing the words spoken by Krishna or about Krishna. He engaged his eyes in seeing the Deity of
Krishna, Krishna’s temples and Krishna’s places like Mathura and Vrindavanam he
engaged is sense of touch in touching the bodies of the Lord’s devotees, he
engaged his sense of smell in smelling the fragrance if tulasi offered to the
Lord and he engaged his tongue in tasting the Lord’s prasada. He engaged legs in walking to the holy places
and temples of the Lord, his head in bowing down before the Lord, and all his
desires in serving the Lord, twenty-four hours a day. Indeed, Maharaja Ambarisha never desired
anything for his own sense gratification.
He engaged all his senses in devotional service, in various engagements
related to the Lord. This is the way to
increase attachment for the Lord and be completely free from all material
desires.
एवं सदा कर्मकलापमात्मनः
परेऽधियज्ञे भगवत्यधोक्षजे।
सर्वात्मभावं विदधन्महीमिमां
तन्निष्ठविप्राभिहितः शशास ह ॥२१॥
In performing his prescribed duties as
king, Maharaja Ambarisha always offered the results of his royal activities to
the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna, who is the enjoyer of everything
and is beyond the perception of material senses. He certainly took advice from brahmanas who
were faithful devotees of the Lord, and thus he ruled the planet earth without
difficulty.
king, Maharaja Ambarisha always offered the results of his royal activities to
the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna, who is the enjoyer of everything
and is beyond the perception of material senses. He certainly took advice from brahmanas who
were faithful devotees of the Lord, and thus he ruled the planet earth without
difficulty.
ईजेऽश्वमेधैरधियज्ञमीश्वरं
महाविभूत्योपचिताङ्गदक्षिणैः।
ततैर्वसिष्ठासितगौतमादिभि–
र्धन्वन्यभिस्रोतमसौ सरस्वतीम्॥२२॥
In desert countries where there flowed the
River Sarasvati, Maharaja Ambarisha performed great sacrifices like the
Aswamedha Yajna and thus satisfied the master of all yajnas, the Supreme
Personality of Godhead. Such sacrifices
were performed with great opulence and suitable paraphernalia and with
contributions of dakshina to the brahmanas, who were supervised by great
personalities like Vasishtha, Asita and Gautama, representing the king, the
performer of the sacrifices.
River Sarasvati, Maharaja Ambarisha performed great sacrifices like the
Aswamedha Yajna and thus satisfied the master of all yajnas, the Supreme
Personality of Godhead. Such sacrifices
were performed with great opulence and suitable paraphernalia and with
contributions of dakshina to the brahmanas, who were supervised by great
personalities like Vasishtha, Asita and Gautama, representing the king, the
performer of the sacrifices.
यस्य क्रतुषु गिर्वाणैः सदस्या ऋत्विजो जनाः।
तुल्यरूपाश्चानिमिषा व्यदृश्यन्त सुवाससः ॥२३॥
In the sacrifices arranged by Maharaja
Ambarisha, the members of the assembly and the priests [especially hota,
udgata, brahma and adhvaryu ] were gorgeously dressed, and they all looked
exactly like demigods. They eagerly saw
to the proper performance of the yajna.
Ambarisha, the members of the assembly and the priests [especially hota,
udgata, brahma and adhvaryu ] were gorgeously dressed, and they all looked
exactly like demigods. They eagerly saw
to the proper performance of the yajna.
स्वर्गो न प्रार्थितो यस्य मनुजैरमरप्रियः।
शृण्वद्भिरुपगायद्भिरुत्तमश्लोकचेष्टितम् ॥२४॥
The citizens of the state of Maharaja Ambarisha were accustomed to
chanting and hearing about the glorious activities of the Personality of
Godhead. Thus they never aspired to be
elevated to the heavenly planets, which are extremely dear even to the
demigods.
chanting and hearing about the glorious activities of the Personality of
Godhead. Thus they never aspired to be
elevated to the heavenly planets, which are extremely dear even to the
demigods.
संवर्धयन्ति यत् कामाः स्वाराज्यपरिभाविताः।
दुर्लभा नापि सिद्धानां मुकुन्दं हृदि पश्यतः ॥२५॥
Those who are saturated with the transcendental happiness
of rendering service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead are uninterested even
in the achievements of great mystics, for such achievements do not enhance the
transcendental bliss felt by a devotee who always thinks of Krishna within the
core of his heart.
of rendering service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead are uninterested even
in the achievements of great mystics, for such achievements do not enhance the
transcendental bliss felt by a devotee who always thinks of Krishna within the
core of his heart.
स इत्थं भक्तियोगेन तपोयुक्तेन पार्थिवः।
स्वधर्मेण हरिं प्रीणन् सर्वान् कामान्शनैर्जहौ ॥२६॥
The king of this planet, Maharaja
Ambarisha, thus performed devotional service to the Lord and in his endeavour
practiced severe austerity. Always
satisfying the Supreme Personality of Godhead by his constitutional activities
, he gradually gave up all material desires.
Ambarisha, thus performed devotional service to the Lord and in his endeavour
practiced severe austerity. Always
satisfying the Supreme Personality of Godhead by his constitutional activities
, he gradually gave up all material desires.
गृहेषु दारेषु सुतेषु बन्धुषु
द्विपोत्तमस्यन्दनवाजिवस्तुषु।
अक्षय्यरत्नाभरणाम्बरादि–
ष्वनन्तकोशेष्वकरोदसन्मतिम्॥२७॥
Maharaja Ambarisha gave up all attachments
to household affairs, wives, children, friends and relatives, to the best of
powerful elephants, to beautiful chariots, carts, horses and inexhaustible
jewels, and to ornaments, garments and an inexhaustible treasury. He gave up attachment to all of them,
regarding them as temporary and material.
to household affairs, wives, children, friends and relatives, to the best of
powerful elephants, to beautiful chariots, carts, horses and inexhaustible
jewels, and to ornaments, garments and an inexhaustible treasury. He gave up attachment to all of them,
regarding them as temporary and material.
तस्मा अदाद्धरिश्चक्रं प्रत्यनीकभयावहम्।
एकान्तभक्तिभावेन प्रीतो भक्ताभिरक्षणम् ॥२८॥
Being very pleased by the unalloyed
devotion of Maharaja Ambarisha, the Supreme Personality of Godhead gave the
King His disc, which is fearful to enemies and which always protects the
devotee from enemies and adversities.
devotion of Maharaja Ambarisha, the Supreme Personality of Godhead gave the
King His disc, which is fearful to enemies and which always protects the
devotee from enemies and adversities.
आरिराधयिषुः कृष्णं महिष्या तुल्यशीलया।
युक्तः सांवत्सरं वीरो दधार द्वादशीव्रतम् ॥२९॥
To worship Lord Krishna, Maharaja
Ambarisha, along with his queen, who was equally qualified, observed the vow of
Ekadasi and Dvadasi for one year.
Ambarisha, along with his queen, who was equally qualified, observed the vow of
Ekadasi and Dvadasi for one year.
व्रतान्ते कार्तिके मासि त्रिरात्रं समुपोषितः।
स्नातः कदाचित् कालिन्द्यां हरिं मधुवनेऽर्चयत्॥३०॥
In the month of Kartika, after observing
that vow for one year, after observing a fast for three nights and after
bathing in the Yamuna, Maharaja Ambarisha worshiped the Supreme Personality of
Godhead, Hari, in Madhuvana.
that vow for one year, after observing a fast for three nights and after
bathing in the Yamuna, Maharaja Ambarisha worshiped the Supreme Personality of
Godhead, Hari, in Madhuvana.
महाभिषेकविधिना सर्वोपस्करसम्पदा।
अभिषिच्याम्बराकल्पैर्गन्धमाल्यार्हणादिभिः॥३१॥
तद्गतान्तरभावेन पूजयामास केशवम्।
ब्राह्मणांश्च महाभागान् सिद्धार्थानपि भक्तित् ॥३२॥
Following the regulative principles of
mahabhisheka, Maharaja Ambarisha performed the bathing ceremony for the Deity
of Lord Krishna with all paraphernalia, and then dressed the Deity with fine
clothing, ornaments, fragrant flower garlands and other paraphernalia for
worship of the Lord. With attention and devotion, he worshiped
Kishna and all the greatly fortunate brahmanas who were free from material
desires.
mahabhisheka, Maharaja Ambarisha performed the bathing ceremony for the Deity
of Lord Krishna with all paraphernalia, and then dressed the Deity with fine
clothing, ornaments, fragrant flower garlands and other paraphernalia for
worship of the Lord. With attention and devotion, he worshiped
Kishna and all the greatly fortunate brahmanas who were free from material
desires.
गवां रुक्मविषाणीनां रूप्याङ्घ्रीणां सुवाससाम्।
पयः शीलवयोरूपवत्सोपस्करसम्पदाम्॥३३॥
प्राहीणोत् साधुविप्रेभ्यो गृहेषु न्यर्बुदानिषट्।
भोजयित्वा द्विजानग्रे स्वाद्वन्नं गुणवत्तमम् ॥३४॥
लब्धकामैरनुज्ञातः पारणायोपचक्रमे।
तस्य तर्ह्यतिथिः साक्षाद् दुर्वासा भगवानभूत् ॥३५॥
Thereafter,
Maharaja Ambarisha satisfied all
the guests who arrived at his house, especially the brahmanas. He gave in charity sixty crores of cows whose
horns were covered with gold plate and whose hooves were covered with silver
plate. All the cows were well decorated
with garments and had full milk bags.
They were mild—natured, young and beautiful and were accompanied by their
calves. After giving these cows, the
King first sumptuously fed all the brahmanas, and when they were fully
satisfied , he was about to observe the end of Ekadasi, with their permission,
by breaking the fast. Exactly at that
time, however, Durvasa Muni, the great
and powerful mystic, appeared on the scene as an uninvited guest.
Maharaja Ambarisha satisfied all
the guests who arrived at his house, especially the brahmanas. He gave in charity sixty crores of cows whose
horns were covered with gold plate and whose hooves were covered with silver
plate. All the cows were well decorated
with garments and had full milk bags.
They were mild—natured, young and beautiful and were accompanied by their
calves. After giving these cows, the
King first sumptuously fed all the brahmanas, and when they were fully
satisfied , he was about to observe the end of Ekadasi, with their permission,
by breaking the fast. Exactly at that
time, however, Durvasa Muni, the great
and powerful mystic, appeared on the scene as an uninvited guest.
तमानर्चातिथिं भूपः प्रत्युत्थानासनार्हणैः।
ययाचेऽभ्यवहाराय पादमूलमुपागतः ॥३६॥
After standing up to receive Durvasa Muni,
King Ambarisha offered him a seat and paraphernalia of worship. Then, sitting at his feet, the King requested
the great sage to eat.
King Ambarisha offered him a seat and paraphernalia of worship. Then, sitting at his feet, the King requested
the great sage to eat.
प्रतिनन्द्य स तां याच्ञां कर्तुमावश्यकं गतः।
निममज्ज बृहद् ध्यायन् कालिन्दीसलिले शुभे ॥३७।
Durvasa Muni gladly accepted the request of
Maharaja Ambarisha, but to perform the
regulative ritualistic ceremonies he went to the River Yamuna. There he dipped into the water of the
auspicious Yamuna and meditated upon the impersonal Brahman.
Maharaja Ambarisha, but to perform the
regulative ritualistic ceremonies he went to the River Yamuna. There he dipped into the water of the
auspicious Yamuna and meditated upon the impersonal Brahman.
मुहूर्तार्धावशिष्टायां द्वादश्यां पारणं प्रति।
चिन्तयामास धर्मज्ञो द्विजैस्तद्धर्मसङ्कटे ॥३८॥
In the meantime, only a muhurta of the
Dvadasi day was left on which to break the fast. Consequently, it was imperative that the fast
be broken immediately. In this critical situation,
the King consulted learned brahmanas.
Dvadasi day was left on which to break the fast. Consequently, it was imperative that the fast
be broken immediately. In this critical situation,
the King consulted learned brahmanas.
ब्राह्मणातिक्रमे दोषो द्वाद्श्यां यदपारणे।
यत् कृत्वा साधु मे भूयादधर्मो वा न मां स्पृशेत्॥३९॥
अम्भसा केवलेनाथ करिष्ये व्रतपारणम्।
आहुरब्भक्षणं विप्रा ह्यशितं नाशितं च तत् ॥४०॥
The King said: “To transgress the laws of
respectful behaviour toward the brahmanas is certainly a great offense. On the other hand, if one does not observe
the breaking of the fast within the time of Dvadasi, there is a flaw in one’s
observance of the vow. Therefore, O
Brahmanas, if you think that it will be auspicious and not irreligious, I shall
break the fast by drinking water.” In
this way, after consulting with the brahmanas, the King reached this decision,
for according to brahminical opinion, drinking water may be accepted as eating
and also as not eating.
respectful behaviour toward the brahmanas is certainly a great offense. On the other hand, if one does not observe
the breaking of the fast within the time of Dvadasi, there is a flaw in one’s
observance of the vow. Therefore, O
Brahmanas, if you think that it will be auspicious and not irreligious, I shall
break the fast by drinking water.” In
this way, after consulting with the brahmanas, the King reached this decision,
for according to brahminical opinion, drinking water may be accepted as eating
and also as not eating.
इत्यपः प्राश्य राजर्षिश्चिन्तयन् मनसाच्युतम्।
प्रत्याचष्ट कुरुश्रेष्ठ द्विजागमनमेव सः ॥४१॥
O best of the Kuru dynasty , after he drank
some water, King Ambarisha, meditating
upon the Supreme Personality of Godhead within his heart, waited for the return
of the great mystic Durvasa Muni.
some water, King Ambarisha, meditating
upon the Supreme Personality of Godhead within his heart, waited for the return
of the great mystic Durvasa Muni.
दुर्वासा यमुनाकूलात् कृतावश्यक आगतः।
राज्ञाभिनन्दितस्तस्य बुबुधे चेष्टितं धिया ॥४२॥
After executing the ritualistic ceremonies
to be performed at noon, Durvasa returned from the bank of the Yamuna. The King received him well, offering all
respects, but Durvasa Muni, by his mystic power, could understand that King
Ambarisha had drunk water without his permission.
to be performed at noon, Durvasa returned from the bank of the Yamuna. The King received him well, offering all
respects, but Durvasa Muni, by his mystic power, could understand that King
Ambarisha had drunk water without his permission.
मन्युना प्रचलद्गात्रो भ्रुकुटीकुटिलाननः।
बुभुक्षितश्च सुतरां कृताञ्जलिमभाषत॥४३॥
Still hungry, Durvasa Muni, his body trembling, his face curved and his
eyebrows crooked in a frown, angrily spoke as follows to King Ambarisha, who
stood before him with folded hands.
eyebrows crooked in a frown, angrily spoke as follows to King Ambarisha, who
stood before him with folded hands.
अहो अस्य नृशंसस्य श्रियोन्मत्तस्य पश्यत।
धर्मव्यतिक्रमं विष्णोरभक्तस्येशमानिनः॥४४॥
Alas, just see the behaviour of
this cruel man! He is not a devotee of Lord Vishnu. Being proud of his material opulence and his
position, he considers himself God. .
Just see how he has transgressed the laws of religion (dharma).
this cruel man! He is not a devotee of Lord Vishnu. Being proud of his material opulence and his
position, he considers himself God. .
Just see how he has transgressed the laws of religion (dharma).
यो मामतिथिमायातमातिथ्येन निमन्त्र्य च।
अदत्त्वा भुक्तवांस्तस्य सद्यस्ते दर्शये फलम् ॥४५॥
Maharaja Ambarisha, You have invited me to
eat as a guest, but instead of feeding me, you yourself have eaten first. Because of your misbehaviour , I shall show
you something to punish you.
eat as a guest, but instead of feeding me, you yourself have eaten first. Because of your misbehaviour , I shall show
you something to punish you.
एवं ब्रुवाण उत्कृत्य जटां रोषप्रदीपितः।
तया स निर्ममे तस्मै कृत्यां कालानलोपमाम्॥४६॥
As Durvasa Muni said this, his face became
red with anger. Uprooting a bunch of hair from his head, he created a demon
resembling the blazing fire of devastation to punish Maharaja Ambarisha.
red with anger. Uprooting a bunch of hair from his head, he created a demon
resembling the blazing fire of devastation to punish Maharaja Ambarisha.
तामापतन्तीं ज्वलतीमसिहस्तां पदा भुवम्।
वेपयन्तीं समुद्वीक्ष्य न चचाल पदान्नृपः ॥४७॥
Taking a trident in his hand and making the surface of the earth
tremble with his footsteps, that blazing creature came before Maharaja
Ambarisha. But the King, upon seeing
him, was not at all disturbed and did not move even slightly from his position.
tremble with his footsteps, that blazing creature came before Maharaja
Ambarisha. But the King, upon seeing
him, was not at all disturbed and did not move even slightly from his position.
प्राग्दिष्टं भृत्यरक्षायां पुरुषेण महात्मना।
ददाह कृत्यां तां चक्रं क्रुद्धाहिमिव पावकः ॥४८॥
As fire in the forest immediately burns to ashes an angry snake, so, by
the previous order of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, His disc, the
Sudarsana chakra, immediately burnt to ashes the created demon to protect the
Lord’s devotee.
the previous order of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, His disc, the
Sudarsana chakra, immediately burnt to ashes the created demon to protect the
Lord’s devotee.
तदभिद्रवदुद्वीक्ष्य स्वप्रयासं च निष्फलम्।
दुर्वासा दुद्रुवे भीतो दिक्षु प्राणपरीप्सया ॥४९॥
Upon seeing that his own attempt had failed
and that the Sudarsana chakra was moving toward him, Durvasa Muni became very
frightened and began to run in all directions to save his life.
and that the Sudarsana chakra was moving toward him, Durvasa Muni became very
frightened and began to run in all directions to save his life.
तमन्वधावद् भगवद्रथाङ्गं
दावाग्निरुद्धूतशिखो यथाहिम्।
तथानुषक्तं मुनिरीक्षमाणो
गुहां विविक्षुः प्रससार मेरोः ॥५०॥
As the blazing flames of a forest fire
pursue a snake, the disc of the Supreme Personality of Godhead began following
Durvasa Muni. Durvasa Muni saw that the
disc was almost touching his back, and thus he ran very swiftly, desiring to
enter a cave of Sumeru Mountain.
pursue a snake, the disc of the Supreme Personality of Godhead began following
Durvasa Muni. Durvasa Muni saw that the
disc was almost touching his back, and thus he ran very swiftly, desiring to
enter a cave of Sumeru Mountain.
दिशो नभः क्ष्मां विवरान् समुद्रान्
लोकान् सपालांस्त्रिदिवं गतः सः।
यतो यतो धावति तत्र तत्र
सुदर्शनं दुष्प्रसहं ददर्श ॥५१॥
Just to protect himself, Durvasa Muni fled everywhere,
in all directions- in the sky, on the surface of the earth, in caves, in the
ocean, on different planets of the rulers of the three worlds, and even on the
heavenly planets – but wherever he went he immediately saw following him the
unbearable fire of the Sudarsana chakra.
in all directions- in the sky, on the surface of the earth, in caves, in the
ocean, on different planets of the rulers of the three worlds, and even on the
heavenly planets – but wherever he went he immediately saw following him the
unbearable fire of the Sudarsana chakra.
अलब्धनाथः स सदा कुतश्चित्
संत्रस्तचित्तोऽरणमीक्षमाणः।
देवं विरिञ्चं समगाद् विधात–
स्त्राह्यात्मयोनेऽजिततेजसो माम् ॥५२॥
With a fearful heart, Durvasa Muni went
here and there seeking shelter, but when he could find no shelter, he finally approached Lord Brahma and said “O
my Lord, O Lord Brahma, kindly protect
me from the blazing Sudarsana chakra sent by the supreme Personality of
Godhood.
here and there seeking shelter, but when he could find no shelter, he finally approached Lord Brahma and said “O
my Lord, O Lord Brahma, kindly protect
me from the blazing Sudarsana chakra sent by the supreme Personality of
Godhood.
स्थानं मदीयं सहविश्वमेतत्
क्रीडावसाने द्विपरार्धसंज्ञे।
भ्रूभङ्गमात्रेण हि संदिधक्षोः
कालात्मनो यस्य तिरोभविष्यति॥५३॥
अहं भवो दक्षभृगुप्रधानाः
प्रजेशभूतेशसुरेशमुख्याः।
सर्वे वयं यन्नियमं प्रपन्ना
मूर्ध्न्यार्पितं लोकहितं वहामः ॥५४॥
Lord Brahma said: At the end of the
dwi-parardha, when the pastimes of the Lord come to an end, Lord Vishnu, by a
flick of His eyebrows , vanquishes the entire universe, including our places of
residence. Such personalities as me and
Lord Siva, as well as Daksha, Bhrigu and similar great saints of whom they are
the head, and also the rulers of the living entities, the rulers of human
society and the rulers of the demigods –
all of us surrender to that Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Vishnu, bowing
our heads, to carry out His orders for the benefit of all living entities.
dwi-parardha, when the pastimes of the Lord come to an end, Lord Vishnu, by a
flick of His eyebrows , vanquishes the entire universe, including our places of
residence. Such personalities as me and
Lord Siva, as well as Daksha, Bhrigu and similar great saints of whom they are
the head, and also the rulers of the living entities, the rulers of human
society and the rulers of the demigods –
all of us surrender to that Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Vishnu, bowing
our heads, to carry out His orders for the benefit of all living entities.
प्रत्याख्यातो विरिञ्चेन विष्णुचक्रोपतापितः।
दुर्वासाः शरणं यातः शर्वं कैलासवासिनम् ॥५५॥
When Durvasa, who was greatly afflicted by the
blazing fire of the Sudarsana chakra, was thus refused by Lord Brahma, he tried to take shelter of
Lord Siva, who always resides on his planet, known as Kailasa .
blazing fire of the Sudarsana chakra, was thus refused by Lord Brahma, he tried to take shelter of
Lord Siva, who always resides on his planet, known as Kailasa .
श्रीशङ्कर उवाच–
वयं न तात प्रभवाम भूम्नि
यस्मिन् परेऽन्येऽप्यजजीवकोशाः।
भवन्ति काले न भवन्ति हीदृशाः
सहस्रशो यत्र वयं भ्रमामः ॥५६॥
Lord Siva said: My dear son, I, Lord Brahma
and the other demigods, who rotate within this universe under the misconception
of our greatness, cannot exhibit any power to compete with the Supreme Personality
of Godhead, for innumerable universes and their inhabitants come into existence
and are annihilated by the simple direction of the Lord.
and the other demigods, who rotate within this universe under the misconception
of our greatness, cannot exhibit any power to compete with the Supreme Personality
of Godhead, for innumerable universes and their inhabitants come into existence
and are annihilated by the simple direction of the Lord.
अहं सनत्कुमारश्च नारदो भगवानजः
कपिलोऽपान्तरतमो देवलो घर्म आसुरिः॥५७॥
मरीचिप्रमुखाश्चान्ये सिद्धेशाः पारदर्शनाः।
विदाम न वयं सर्वे यन्मायां माययावृताः॥५८॥
तस्य विश्वेश्वरस्येदं शस्त्रं दुर्विषहं हि नः।
तमेव शरणं याहि हरिस्ते शं विधास्याति ॥५९॥
Past, present and future are known to me
{Lord Siva], Sanatkumara, Narada, the most revered Lord Brahma, Kapila [the son
of Devahuti], Apantaratma [Lord Vyasadeva], Devala, Yamaraja, Asuri, Marichi,
and many saintly persons headed by him, as well as many others who have achieved
perfection. Nonetheless, because we are covered by the illusory energy of the
Lord, we cannot understand how expansive that illusory energy is. You should simply approach that Supreme
Personality of Godhood to get relief, of this Sudarsana chakra is
intolerable even to us. Go to Lord Vishnu. He will certainly be kind enough to bestow
all good fortune upon you.
{Lord Siva], Sanatkumara, Narada, the most revered Lord Brahma, Kapila [the son
of Devahuti], Apantaratma [Lord Vyasadeva], Devala, Yamaraja, Asuri, Marichi,
and many saintly persons headed by him, as well as many others who have achieved
perfection. Nonetheless, because we are covered by the illusory energy of the
Lord, we cannot understand how expansive that illusory energy is. You should simply approach that Supreme
Personality of Godhood to get relief, of this Sudarsana chakra is
intolerable even to us. Go to Lord Vishnu. He will certainly be kind enough to bestow
all good fortune upon you.
ततो निराशो दुर्वासाः पदं भगवतो ययौ।
वैकुण्ठाख्यं यदध्यास्ते श्रीनिवासः श्रिया सह ॥६०॥
Thereafter, being disappointed even in
taking shelter of Lord siva , Durvasa Muni went to Vaikuntha Dhama, where the Supreme Personality of
Godhead, Narayana resides with His consort, the goddess of fortune.
taking shelter of Lord siva , Durvasa Muni went to Vaikuntha Dhama, where the Supreme Personality of
Godhead, Narayana resides with His consort, the goddess of fortune.
संदह्यमानोऽजितशस्त्रवह्निना
तत्पादमूले पतितः सवेपथुः।
आहाच्युतानन्त सदीप्सित प्रभो
कृतागसं मावहि विश्वभावन ॥६१॥
Durvasa Muni, the great mystic, scorched by
the heat of the Sudarsana chakra, fell at the lotus feet of Narayana. His body trembling, he spoke as follows: O
infallible, unlimited Lord, protector of the entire Universe, You are the only
desirable objective for all devotees. I
am a great offender, my Lord. Please
give me protection.
the heat of the Sudarsana chakra, fell at the lotus feet of Narayana. His body trembling, he spoke as follows: O
infallible, unlimited Lord, protector of the entire Universe, You are the only
desirable objective for all devotees. I
am a great offender, my Lord. Please
give me protection.
अजानता ते परमानुभावं
कृतं मयाघं भवतः प्रियाणाम्।
विधेहि तस्यापचितिं विधात–
र्मुच्येत यन्नाम्न्युदिते नारकोऽपि॥६२॥
O my Lord, O Supreme controller, without knowledge of Your unlimited
prowess I have offended Your most dear devotee.
Very kindly save me from he reaction of this offense. You can do everything, for even if a person
is fit for going to hell, You can deliver him simply by awakening within his
heart the holy name of Your Lordship
prowess I have offended Your most dear devotee.
Very kindly save me from he reaction of this offense. You can do everything, for even if a person
is fit for going to hell, You can deliver him simply by awakening within his
heart the holy name of Your Lordship
श्रीभगवानुवाच–
अहं भक्तपराधीनो ह्यस्वतन्त्र इव द्विज
साधुभिर्ग्रस्तहृदयो भक्तैर्भक्तजनप्रियः ॥६३॥
The Supreme Personality of Godhead said to
the Brahmana: I am completely under the control of My devotees. Indeed, I am not at all independent. Because my devotees are completely devoid of
material desires, I sit only within the cores of their hearts. What to speak of
My devotee, even those who are devotees of My devotee are very dear to Me.
the Brahmana: I am completely under the control of My devotees. Indeed, I am not at all independent. Because my devotees are completely devoid of
material desires, I sit only within the cores of their hearts. What to speak of
My devotee, even those who are devotees of My devotee are very dear to Me.
नाहमात्मानमाशासे मद्भक्तैः साधुभिर्विना।
श्रियं चात्यन्तिकीं ब्रह्मन् येषां गतिरहं परा ॥६४॥
O best of the brahmanas, without saintly persons for whom I am the only
detination, I do not desire to enjoy My transcendental bliss and My supreme
opulences.
detination, I do not desire to enjoy My transcendental bliss and My supreme
opulences.
ये दारागारपुत्राप्तप्राणान् वित्तमिमं परम्।
हित्वा मां शरणं याताः कथं तांस्त्यक्तुमुत्सहे॥६५॥
Since pure devotees give up their homes, wives, children, relatives,
riches and even their lives simply to serve Me, without any desire for material
improvement in this life or in the next, how can I give up such devotees at any
time?
riches and even their lives simply to serve Me, without any desire for material
improvement in this life or in the next, how can I give up such devotees at any
time?
मयि निर्बद्धहृदयाः साधवः समदर्शनाः।
वशे कुर्वन्ति मां भक्त्या सत्स्त्रियः सत्पतिं यथा॥६६॥
As chaste women bring their gentle husbands
under control by service, the pure devotees, who are equal to everyone and
completely attached to Me in the core of the heart, bring Me under their full
control.
under control by service, the pure devotees, who are equal to everyone and
completely attached to Me in the core of the heart, bring Me under their full
control.
मत्सेवया प्रतीतं ते सालोक्यादिचतुष्टयम्।
नेच्छन्ति सेवया पूर्णाः कुतोऽन्यत् कालविप्लुतम् ॥६७॥
My devotees, who are always satisfied to be
engaged in My loving service, are not interested even in the four principles of
liberation [salokya, sarupya, samipya and sarshti], although these are automatically
achieved by their service. What then is
to be said of such perishable happiness as elevation to the higher planetary systems?
engaged in My loving service, are not interested even in the four principles of
liberation [salokya, sarupya, samipya and sarshti], although these are automatically
achieved by their service. What then is
to be said of such perishable happiness as elevation to the higher planetary systems?
साधवो हृदयं मह्यं साधूनां हृदयं त्वहम्।
मदन्यत् ते न जानन्ति नाहं तेभ्यो मनागपि॥६८॥
The pure devotee is always within the core
of My heart, and I am always in the heart of the pure devotee. My devotees do not know anything else but Me,
and I do not know anyone else but them.
of My heart, and I am always in the heart of the pure devotee. My devotees do not know anything else but Me,
and I do not know anyone else but them.
उपायं कथयिष्यामि तव विप्र शृणुष्व तत्।
अयं ह्यात्माभिचारस्ते यतस्तं याहि मा चिरम्।
साधुषु प्रहितं तेजः प्रहर्तुः कुरुतेऽशिवम् ॥६९॥
O brahmana, let Me now advise you for your
own protection. Please hear from
Me. By offending Maharaja Ambarisha, you
have acted with self-envy. Therefore you should go to him immediately, without
a moment’s delay. One’s so-called
prowess, when employed against the devotee, certainly harms he who employs it.
Thus it is the subject, not object, who is harmed.
own protection. Please hear from
Me. By offending Maharaja Ambarisha, you
have acted with self-envy. Therefore you should go to him immediately, without
a moment’s delay. One’s so-called
prowess, when employed against the devotee, certainly harms he who employs it.
Thus it is the subject, not object, who is harmed.
तपो विद्या च विप्राणां निःश्रेयसकरे उभे।
ते एव दुर्विनीतस्य कल्पते कर्तुरन्यथा ॥७०॥
For a brahmana, austerity and learning are certainly auspicious, but
when acquired by a person who is not gentle, such austerity and learning are
most dangerous.
when acquired by a person who is not gentle, such austerity and learning are
most dangerous.
ब्रह्मंस्तद् गच्छ भद्रं ते नाभागतनयं नृपम्।
क्षमापय महाभागं ततः शन्तिर्भविष्यति ॥७१॥
O best of brahmanas, you should therefore
go immediately to King Ambarisha, the son of Maharaja Naabhaaga. I wish you all good fortune. If you can satisfy Maharaja Ambarisha, then there
will be peace for you.
go immediately to King Ambarisha, the son of Maharaja Naabhaaga. I wish you all good fortune. If you can satisfy Maharaja Ambarisha, then there
will be peace for you.
॥इति
श्रीमद्भागवते महापुराणे पारमहंस्यां संहितायां नवमस्कन्धे
श्रीमद्भागवते महापुराणे पारमहंस्यां संहितायां नवमस्कन्धे
अम्बरीषचरिते चतुर्थोऽध्यायः॥
