Yoga, Vedanta & Moksha

Sutahotra’s successors were three extremely righteous ones, viz. Ka£a, Sala and lord Gftsamada.

The Saunakas and the Ar§ti senas were Brahmanas endowed with qualities characteristic of Ksatriyas. Kasa’s sons were Kasaya, Rasta and Dirghatapas.

Dharma was the son of Dirghatapas. The scholarly Dhanvantari was his son. He was of great brilliance due to his verses of the chapter in Bd. P.

8-15 709 penance. He was born to that intelligent king, when he had become old. Then the sages asked Suta in the following words. The Sages asked :

Mahadeva used to be delighted with them, but Mena was not at all pleased. Everyday she began to abhor the lord and goddess.

(She said to Uma) “Your husband Mahesvara is carrying on ill-mannered activities in (my) presence. O sinless girl, he is by all means very indigent. Without wearying himself out, he sports and dallies”.

On being thus taunted by her mother, she did not brook it as was but natural to women. After smiling (at the words of her mother) the goddess, the granter of boons, went near Hara (Siva).

With a dejected face the goddess sffoke to Mahadeva: “O my lord, I will not stay here. Take me to your abode”.

Thus requested, the great god, Mahesvara of great splendour, surveyed all the worlds. O excellent Brahmanas, he *A. reads Svaiwantike ‘near (at the residence of) his father-in-law*. 712 Vayu Pardna liked Varanasi, the holy centre of the Siddhas on the earth, as his residence.

On knowing that that city was occupied by Divodasa, he called K§emaka, the chief of Ganas who was by his side and spoke to him :

“O lord of the Ganas, Go to Varanasi and make it desolate. You must employ soft and subtle means. That king is extremely valorous”.

O Brahmanas, the barber did everything in accordance with what he was told in dream. After getting the permission of the king, he did everything duly at the gate of the city.

He used to grant thousands of boons to the people of the city, such as sons, gold, longevity and similar desires.

The senior queen-consort of the king was well-known by the name Suyasa. That chaste lady was urged by the king and she came (to that deity) with a desire to have a son.

She performed (his) worship on a grand scale and requested him for sons. She frequented (the shrine) again and again for (the boon of getting) a son.

There was a reason behind Nikumbha’s not granting sons. If the king were to be infuriated something could be done.

Having determined thus that wicked, sinful and evilminded king destroyed that sacred place of the chief of Ganas.

Nikumbha brought Mahadcva to that desolate cursed city. Maliadeva rebuilt that desolate city by means of (the powers of) his great soul.

The city was befitting the Vibhuti (prosperity and gloiy) of the goddess and the lord. The goddess sported there, even as lord Mahesvara too sported there.

But the goddess did not derive (permanent) pleasure due to her surprise at the (peculiar) house. For the sake of playing with the goddess, lord Isana spoke these words.

He vanished during the Kali age. That city of the great soul is rcoccupied by the people when the lord vanishes.

Vatsa’s son was Alarka and his son was Sannati. These two old verses are sung about the saintly king Alarka.

Sannati’s successor was the righteous king named Sunitha. Sunitha’s successor was the pious Suketu.

It is heard that Suketu ’s son was Dharmaketu. Heroic Satyaketu was the successor of Dharmaketu.

Satyaketu’s son was the king named Vibhu. Suvibhu was the son of Vibhu and Sukumara was hi9 son.

Sukumara’s son was Dhrstaketu. He was very virtuous. Dliystaketu’s successor was the king Vcnuhotra.

Venuhotra’s son was Gargya. He was very famous. Vatsya was the son of the intelligent Vatsa.

The sons of these two were very virtuous Brahmanas and Ksatriyas. They were strong, valorous and famous for their leonine exploits.

Thus these kings of Kasi have been enumerated. Now listen and understand the (descendants) of Raji. Raji had a hundred sons. Two of them were very powerful and well-known on the earth as the group of kings “Rajeya”. Those Ksatriyas caused terror to Indra too.

When a terrible war broke out between Dcvas and Asuras1 , both of them spoke to Pitamaha (god Brahma) .

cc O lord of all the worlds, O great lord, who will be victorious in the battle between us. Please tell us. We all w’^i to hear.” Brahma said :

There is no doubt in this that they on whose behalf far as Puranic records are concerned.

Where there is Raji, there will be Laksmi (fortune, wealth). Where there is Laksmi, there is fortitude. Dharma abides where there is fortitude and where there is Dharma, there is victory.”

On hearing about the victorious (-ness of) Raji, Devas and Danavas approached the excellent king. They eulogised him as they wished for success.

With a delighted heart, all Devas and Danavas requested the king: “Please take up your excellent bow for enabling us to be victorious.” Raji replied :

I will defeat you all in the battle, as well as Devas led by &akra. I shall become the righteous-souled Indra and then shall I fight in the battle. Danavas said :

Our Indra is Prahlada. We shall be victorious on his behalf. O king, please stand by this agreement urged by our Lord.

Even as he was about to say, '‘So be it” he was urged by Devas also. He was invited by Devas saying, “After conquering you will become Indra.”

On hearing the words of oakra, he was deceived by him by means of his Maya. The delighted king said, “So be it”.

When that king who was on par with Devas attained heaven, Raji’s sons took away all the legacies from Indra. 716 Vayu Purdna

Those hundred sons forcibly occupied most of the region of Svarga (heaven) , the abode of the consort of Saci.

When a long period elapsed, the powerful Indra whose kingdom was seized and whose share in sacrifices was confiscated spoke to Brhaspati:

“O Brahmana sage, please allot Puro^lasa (sacrificial oblation) unto me at least of the size of the fruit of Badari (the jujube tree) whereby I can sustain myself with my splendour developed further.

O Brahmana, be pleased with me. My kingdom has been seized by the sons of Raji. My food has been taken away. I have been rendered devoid of prowess, emaciated, confounded by the sons of Raji.” Brhaspati said :

O Sakra, if only I had been urged by you earlier in this matter, this would not have happened. O sinless one, there is nothing that should not be done for the sake of pleasing you.

O Dcvcndra, O highly splcndourcd one, I shall endeavour for your welfare so that you will regain your shaie in the Yajna as well as your kingdom ere long.

O Sakra, I shall go (now) . Let not your mind be dejected. Thereafter, he performed such great rites as increased India’s splendour.

The highly intelligent (Brhaspati) created delusion in the intellects of those (sons of Raji) . They became devoid of Dharrna and mad with passion.

They became haters of Brahmanas. Hence they became deprived of their virility and exploit. So (Indra) regiained the glory of Suras arid his former excellent position (of Indra-hood).

He killed all the sons of Raji who were overwhelmed with lust and anger. He who listens to this story of Raji or the holy rehabilitation of Satakratu will never meet with evil.

“Alarka ruled as excellent king of Ka£I for sixtysix thousand years. He was endowed with handsome features and he maintained his youth (all along). He attained his great longevity by the grace of Lopamudra.” At the end of the period of curse, he killed the Raksasa Ksemaka and rebuilt the beautiful city of Varanasi.

“I shall not abandon my abode. My abode is Avimukta1 (unabandoned) ”. He laughed and spoke again to her: “My abode is Avimvkta. O Goddess, I shall not go away (from here). You may go. I shall sport here”. Hence indeed it is Avimukta since it was said so by the lord himself. cursed and then glorified as ‘ Avimukta\ In it lives the lord revered by all Devas in the three Yugas. The pious-souled Mahesvara is acconipaincd by the goddess also.

He killed all the Danavas in front of Indra (who was armed with thunderbolt) . He was endowed with self-control and the greatest prosperity. Lord Raji killed all Danavas and redeemed the lost glory of Devas. Accompanied by Devas, Satakratu (Indra) spoke to Raji, “I am Raji’s son”, and continued as follows, “O king, there *s no doubt in this that you are Indra of all Devas. O destroyer of enemies, O, Indra, I shall become renowned as your son”.

On seeing the shrine shattered, the lord (of Ganas) approached the king (and said), “ O king, since, without any offence on my part, my shrine has been destroyed by you, the city will be void and desolate all of a sudden”. Then, due to that curse Varanasi became desolate.m

The Origin of Dhanvantari 2 ; Varanasi Cursed ; Raji's Exploits Suta said : O Brahmanas, five noble-souled sons of great strength were born of Prabha as the sons of Svarbhanu. Nahusa was the first among them. The next one is remembered as Putradharmaa . Dharmavrddha’s ( K^atravrddha’s? ) son was Sutahotra (Sunahotra?) of great fame.

After the lapse of a long period, the king became furious. (He thought) ‘This spirit at the main gate delightedly bestows hundreds of boons on the town-people but does not do anything (for me) . In my city he is worshipped by my people. He has been worshipped by my queen there for that specific reason. Though he eats much, he does not grant me a son. He is ungrateful. Hence he does not deserve further

Sunaka was the son of Gftsamada and his son was Saunaka. In his race Brahmanas, VaiSyas and Sudras were born as a result of their diverse Karmans. O Brahmana, Sala’s son was Arstisena and Caranta was his son. • • •

Heroic Pratardana was born of Divodasa and Drsa714 Vayu Parana dvati. The son (of Bhadrasrenya) desirous of wreaking revenge recaptured it (kingdom). Pratardana had two sons, Vatsa and Garga, who became well-known.

Nikumbha then went to the city of Varanasi and revealed himself to a barber named Mankana in his dream and said, “O sinless one, I shall bring welfare unto you. Assign a place for me. Make an image of my form and place it at the outskirt of the city/’

Everyday splendid worship was offered with scents, incense, garlands etc. Food was offered. The whole thing was wonderful. Thus the lord of Ganas was worshipped there everyday.

Thus Varanasi was cursed and was re-inhabited. King Divodasa killed king Bhadrasrenya’s one hundred sons who were noted for their mastery in archery and occupied (his capital). The kingdom of Bhadrasre^ ya was usurped by that powerful king. But the son of Bhadrasrenya named Durdama was let off by Divodasa, out of mercy, thinking that he was only a boy.

The Story of Yayati2 The Sages said : How was his daughter given to the king by Maruta, 3 the great soul ? Of what prowess were the daughters of Maruta born with great souls4 (?) Sula said :

Endowed with great splendour yet desirous of food, the king performed the sacrifice Marul-Soma to Prajesvara every month, for sixty years.

Thereby the Marut> gods were pleased by the MarutSorna sacrifice of that king, and granted him never-ending food with requisites for the fulfilment of all desires.

His food, cooked once, never got exhausted during that day and night even though given to crores (of people) right from sunrise.

Mitrajyoti was born of the daughter of the intelligent Maruta. From him were born (sons) of great strength, knowers of Dharma and seers of salvation. only the verse number is quoted. Puranas. The story is originally given in details in Mbh Adi. Ghs. 84 and

The immortal verse uttered by Yayati : najdtu kamah kdmdndm vpabhogena Sdmyati / havisd kfsna-uartmeva thuya eva'bhivardhate // has been quoted in Puranas. It has been the main theme of an epochmaking Marathi novel Yayati by V.S. Khandekar, which secured the much coveted Bharatiya Jnanapitha Prize.

“Puru who is your favourite son and who has done what is pleasing to you, deserves this kingdom. Due to the boon granted by Sukra, nothing more can be said (against this decision).”

The whole of this earth consisting of the seven conti726 Vayu Purdna nents and (many) towns is being ruled over by them, the knowers of Dharma, righteously and in close adherence to their own respective lands.

Thus handing over the earth to his sons and transferring his royal glory to them, king Yayati, the son of Nahu$a, > became delighted.

Leaving aside his bow and arrows, entrusting his kinsmen with all duties and responsibilities and his sons with the kingdom, the king became glad.

In this connection the following Gdthds (verses)1 have been sung by the great king Yayati, who after desiring pleasures, withdrew from them all like a tortoise that withdraws all its limbs (within itself).

“Never can lust subside by enjoyment of pleasures. Just as the fire gets ablaze all the more by ghee-oblations, so also desires get increased by indulgence.

All the grains and barley seeds, all the gold, all the cattle and all the women in the world are not sufficient for even one (person). He who realises this, does not become deluded.

When one maintains the purifying (auspicious) attitude to all living beings in thought, speech and action, one attains (realizes) Brahman.

When one is not afraid of others, when others are not afraid of him, when one neither desires nor hates ( anything) , one attains Brahman.

Happiness comes to one who eschews Trfnd (covetousness) , which cannot be got rid of by evil-minded ones, which does not subside even when one grows old and which is a foul disease full of fatal faults.

When one grows old, the hairs grow old; the teeth decay along with old age; but the hope for longevity and acquisition of wealth never grow old.

The happiness arising from enjoyment of lust or by attaining the great pleasure in heaven does not deserve even a sixteenth pait of the happiness resulting from the destruction of covetousness”.

After saying this, the saintly king went to the forest along with his wife. He performed a great penance on Bhrgutunga1 and performed hundreds of holy rites. Earning great fame, he attained Svarga.

His races are five thus. They are holy and revered by Devas and sages. The whole earth is pervaded by them as if with the rays of the sun.

An excellent Brahmana who reads this entire narrative of Yayati or listens to it, shall become wealthy, long-lived and renowned. He will be blessed with children.

Thus addressed by the delighted citizens and the people of the realm, the son of Nahusa crowned his own son Puru in his own realm. He established Turvasu in the southeastern territories. The king established the eldest excellent Yadu in the south-western territories. Druhyu and Anu were established in the west and the north. After conquering the earth consisting of the seven continents and the oceans, the son of Nahuga, king Yayati, divided it into five regions and gave them to his five sons.

The Birth of K&rtaoirya2 Suta said : I shall recount the race of the eldest (son of Yayati) Yadu, of excellent splendour. Listen and understand* even as I recount it in detail and in the proper order.

Yadu had five sons, ail comparable to the sons of Devas. Sahasrajit was the eldest. (The others were) Krogpi, Nila, Jita and Laghu.

Sahasrajit’s son was the glorious king named Satajit. Satajit had three sons who were well known as very virtuous.

They were Haihaya, Haya and the king Venuhaya. It is heard that Haihaya’s successor was Dharmatattva.

Dharmatattva’s son was Kirti and his son was Samjfteya. Samjfieya’s successor was the king named Mahi§man.

Mahi?man*s son was the valorous $hadra£renya who was the king of Varanasi and has already been mentioned.

Bhadragrenya’s successor was the king named Durmada and Durmada’s successor was an intelligent (king) well known by the name Kanaka.

He performed a very severe penance for ten thousand years. Kartvirya thus propitiated Datta, born of Atri.

The entire earth consisting of seven continents and many towns and surrounded by seven oceans, was conquered by him in a manner befitting a K§atriya. 2

When he started fighting in a battle, banners and chariots befitting it and a thousand arms used to appear by means of the Maya of that intelligent one.

It is heard that without any difficulties ten thousand Yajfias had been performed by that intelligent king in all the seven continents.

19-28 729 chariots; all of them were always rendered splendid and attractive by Gandharvas and Apsaras-s (celestial damsels) .

(Defective verse) On seeing the terrible, prominent king, the (aquatic beings) were afraid that the ocean was once again being churned by the Mandara mountain for the sake of Amfia (nectar) and at once felt uprooted (utp&fita in A) .

Great serpents bent down their heads and stood motionless like the stumps of the plantain trees standing still in the evening hours, when the wind does not blow.

(Defective verse) Proudly he went to Lanka. With his bow and five hundred arrows he overpowered Ravana along with his army. He defeated and brought him to Mahi §mati and imprisoned him there.

(Sage) Pulastya himself went to Arjuna and propitiated him. The king released Paulastya (Ravana) at the request of Pulastya.

The sound produced by the twang of the bowstrings by his thousand arms was like the thunder at the time of the close of the Yugas, when the trees* of the clouds of dissolution seem to burst.

Sad indeed that his thousand powerful arms were cut off by Bhargava (ParaSurama) in battle, as though they were golden palm trees.

Once upon a time, the thirsty Sun-god begged alms of him. The Lord of the people bestowed on the Sun-god the seven continents as alms. *Vfk$a in the text needs emendation as Vfnda as in Bd. P«v. 38. It means ‘a collection, amass* (of clouds).

With a desire to consume (everything) , the Sun-god blazed at the tips of his arrows and burnt cities, cowherd colonies, villages and all the towns.

Thanks to the prowess of that chief of men (Arjuna) , the (Sun-god) of great fame burnt the mountains and forests of Kartavirya.

The Sun-god in the company of Haihaya (Kartavirya) burnt everything including continents along with forests. He burnt the empty hermitage of Varuna’s son completely.

Varuna had obtained this glorious and excellent son formerly. He was famous by the name of sage Vasistha otherwise known as Apava.

Such a boon had been chosen by the king himself formerly (from Datta). He had a hundred sons, five of whom were great warriors.

Virahotra’s son was king Ananta. Durjaya was his son. His son was AmitradarSana.

That king had the boon of never losing his wealth. The great king protected the subjects by means of his prowess.

He had a hundred sons who constituted the clan of T&lajanghas. Five families among those noble-souled Haihayas are very famous, viz. the numerous Virahotras (Vitihotra in Bd.P.), Bhojas and Avartis, Tun<jikeras and the valorous Talajanghas.

Kanaka’s successor (sons) were four and they were famous in the worlds—Kftavirya, Kartavirya, Krtavarma and Krta the fourth. Krtavirya’s son was Arjuna. Born with a thousand arms, he was a king who ruled over the seven continents.

Out of anger the powerful Apava cursed Arjuna then,1 “O Haihaya. since you have not spared this forest of mine another man will set aside even this difficult task achieved by you. He will be Kunti’s son named Arjuna.2 He will not be a king.

Datta granted him four excellently glorious boons. At the outset, (Arjuna ) chose the boon of (being endowed with) a thousand arms. The second was (the ability of) the prevention (of the world) given up in evil by good people. 1 (The third was the competence) to protect the earth righteously after conquering it in the same ( righteous ) way. The fourth was victory in numerous battles after killing thousands of enemies but meeting death in a battle (fighting) with a superior warrior.

All the Yajfias performed by that mighty-armed king were profoundly splendid. All of them were provided with golden altars with golden sacrificial posts. All of them were graced by the presence of blessed Devas seated in aerial

O Arjuna, the extremely powerful Rama, the foremost among those who strike with weapons, will cut off and shatter your thousand arms. The powerful Brahmana and Sage of great strength will kill you." Then, as a result of the curse of that intelligent (sage) , Rama became the cause of his death.

They were Surasena, Vfstyadya, Vj-sa and Jayadhvaja. All of them were well- trained in the use of miraculous weapons. They were heroic, strong, pious-souled and re-

An intelligent person who recounts the story of the birth of Kartavirya, shall regain lost wealth. He will not lose wealth (further) . He will be rich. His Dharma will flourish and he will be honoured in heaven like Tvastr or like a man of charitable inclination.

The Dynasty of'Jydmagha and Vfpii The Sages said : Why was the world (hermitage) of the noble-souled Apava burnt by Kartavirya forcibly?1 Please explain it to us who ask.

We have heard that the saintly king was a protector of his subjects. Being a guardian, therefore, why did he destroy that hermitage? Suta said :

Aditya (the Sun-god) desirous of satisfaction (of hunger) approached Kartavirya in the guise of a Brahmana (and said) , “Please give me food. Undoubtedly I am Aditya.* *

4-14 733 The King said :

On being addressed thus she said, “This daughter-in law of yours is loveable. She will be the wife of your son who will be born (who is yet to be born).”

By performing a severe penance, the beautiful chaste lady Saibya gave birth to his son Vidarbha in her old age.

Vidarbha begot of that daughter-in-law two scholarly

The very virtuous (king Vidarbha) later begot a third son Lomapada. Vastu was the son of Lomapada and his son was Ahrti.

Cidi was the son of Kauiika. The Caidya kings are remembered as his descendents. Kunti was the son of Krathu who was Vidarbha *s son.

Dhfsfa was born as the son of Kunti. He was very proud and valorous. Dhrsfa’s son was the pious-souled Nirvfti, the slayer of brave enemies.

His son was Dasarha who was very strong and valiant. Da£arha’s son was Vyoman and his son is called Jimuta.

Jimuta’s son was Vikjti and his son was Bhimaratha. Bhlmaratha’s son was Rathavara.

He was a donor interested in Dharma (holy rite) perpetually. He was well-behaved and invariably truthful. His son was Navaratha. DaSaratha came after him.

His son was Ekadaiaratha. Sakuni was his son. From him was born the archer Karambhaka. Devarata came thereafter.

King Devaksatra of great fame was the son of Devarata. Devana, the delighter of Kgatriyas, was born as the son of Devaksatra.

Purudvaha was born of Bhadravatl as the son of Purudvan. Aik$aki was the wife (of Purudvan) . Sattva was born of her. From Sattva was born Sattvata who was endowed with Sattvaguna. He increased the fame ( of the race).

After perfectly understanding this creation (race) of the noble-souled Jyamagha, one obtains child ern and attains Sayujya (identity) with the intelligent king Soma.

Madhu was born of Devana. His son was Medhartha-sambhava. Madhu had other sons as well, viz. Manu of great brilliance, Manuvasa, Nandana of great splendour and Mahapuruvasa. Purudvan, the most excellent man, was the son of PuruvaSa.

Bhajamana begot of Sffijayi two sons, Bahya and (the next) Bahyaka. Bahyaka married Srnjaya’s two daughters

His wives, the two sisters, gave birth to many sons2 , viz. Nimi„ Panava, Vj-sni and Parapurafijaya.

He had this thought in his mind, ‘May a son endowed with all good qualities be born to me’. After concentrating on this in Yoga, he touched the waters of the river ParnaSa.3

On being touched by him, the river, the most excellent of all rivers, desired for the welfare of the king.

Taking the form of a girl, Savitri (the river)repeated the of this chapter are mentioned for comparison.

That highly fortunate, most valiant hero among Sattvatas. was a performer of sacrifices, the chief of the most prominent ones among the donors of liberal gifts, a brave warrior, a patron of Brahmanas, truthful in speech, scholarly and (most) famous (in the world).*’

(Defective verse) Sumahabhojayas and Imartikabalas were born in his race1 ( ?) Gandharl and Madri were the two wives of Vj*sni.

They were the blessed Prasena and Sakrajit. Surya 2 (the Sun-god) was an intimate bosom friend of Sakrajit. 8

21-35 739

The elders of Vj*§iiis and Andhakas thought it to be the 740 Vayu Pvrti&a work ofKft^a. Considering him covetous of the jewel, they all suspected him alone (as the perpetrator of the crime) .

Unable to endure the false accusation, the lord, the powerful slayer of foes, roamed about in the forest (to trace P rasena) .

He heard the voice of a young woman deep inside the great cave. O Brahmanas, the nurse had been playing with the infant son of Jambavan along with the jewel. The words “M& rodify” (Do not cry) were uttered by her. The Nurse said:

The lion killed Prasena. The lion was killed by Jambavan. O tender child, do not cry. This Syamantaka is for you.

(The words were clearly audible.) As soon as everything was made clear by those words, he entered the cave. He had already seen Prasena (lying dead) torn to pieces very near that cave.

Quickly entering the cave of the bear, the liberalminded lord saw Jambavan, the king of bears.

Vasudeva fought with Jambavan in his cave. For twentyone days Govinda had a hand to hand fight (with him) .

When Kfsna entered the cave, the attendants of Vasudeva returned to Dvaravatl and reported (to others) that Kr§$a (also) \vas killed.

After defeating the powerful Jambavan, Vasudeva won the hand of his daughter Jambavati with the permission of the king of bears.

Overwhelmed by the splendour of the lord, Jambav&n gave the jewel as well as his daughter Jambavafi to Vi?vaksena (Kr$na).

It was to clear himself that the lord took the Syamantaka jewel. Consoling the king of bears, he came out of the cave.

After redeeming the jewel thus and clearing himself of the scandal by his own efforts, the lord handed over the jewel to Satrajit in the presence of the Sattvatas.

Madhusudana (Kr?na) thereafter duly married the girl Jaihbavati. Janardana got himself acquitted of the false accusation.

He who knows this story of the false accusation of Kr$ria and the subsequent acquittal will never be accused fraudulently.

A hundred sons were born to Satrajit from his ten wives who were sisters. Among them three were famous. Bhangakara was the eldest. Xhe others were the heroic Vratapati, and Apasvanta the beloved (Supriya) .

Bhangakara* s wife named Dvaravati had good children. She gave birth to three daughters endowed with beauty and good qualities.

Satyabhama was the most excellent of all ladies. She was steadfast in performing holy rites and severe penances. Xhe father gave her to Kr§na.

Xherefore the mighty Satadhanva killed Bhadrakara (? Bhangakara) at night. He stole the jewel and handed it over to Akrura.

Akrura, a prominent person, took that gem and entered into an agreement (with Satadhanva) . “Xhis should not be made known to anyone else by you.

Should you be attacked by Kr§na, we shall help you. Undoubtedly the whole of Dvaraka will be under my control. Vayu Purtya

When her father was killed, the grief-stricken Satyabhima of great fame got into a chariot and went to Varanivata.

Telling her husband about the (criminal) act of Satadhanvan of Bhoja family, the distressed (lady) Satyabhama stood near him and shed tears.

After offering (obsequies such as) the water libations to the Pan<Javas who were (supposed to have been) burnt (in Varanavata), Hari (Krsna) employed Satyaki to be on a par with his brothers (in performance of remaining rites) .

Hastening back to Dvaraka, the glorious slayer of Madhu spoke these words to his elder brother Balarama ( Halin— one armed with ploughshare) .

“Prasena was killed by the lion, Satrajit was killed by Satadhanvan (all for the sake of the jewel, Syamantaka). I seek that Syamantaka (as the legal owner) . O Lord, strike him.

Hence get into the chariot quickly. After killing the mighty Bhoja, O mighty-armed one, the Syamantaka will be ours.”

Then a tumultuous fight ensued between Bhoja and Krsna. Satadhanva (i.e. Bhoja) could not see Akrura anywhere round .

Both Bhoja and Janardana were on horseback (while fighting) . Akrura did not wholeheartedly help him although he was competent and he could have done so.*

“O mighty-armed one, stay here. The defects of the horses (mares) have been observed by me. I shall go on foot and bring away the excellent jewel Syamantaka”.

Going on foot alone, Acyuta, the knower of great miraculous weapons, killed Satadhanvan, the king of Mithila.

He could not see the Syamantaka (on his person) even after killing the mighty Bhoja. When Kr$na returned, the bearer of ploughshare (i.e. Rama) asked him, ‘‘Give me the jewel”.

“I don’t have it”, said Krsna. Then the infuriated Rama repeatedly cried “Fie upon you”, and spoke to Janardana.

“I tolerate it (and excuse you) as you are my brother. Welfare unto you. I am going. I have nothing to do with Dvaraka nor with you nor with the Vrsnis.”

Then Rama, the suppressor of enemies, entered Mithila. With all desirable presents, the king of Mithila himself welcomed and honored him.

In the meantime Babhru (Akrura) , the foremost among the intelligent ones, performed unimpededly different kinds of Yajfias.

The son of Gadhi, the king of great fame, adopted a coat of mail in the form of Dtksd (initiation for sacrifices) for self-protection, in order to preserve the Syamantaka jewel.

In the performance of these Yajfias (which continued) for a period of sixty years, he utilised (donated) vast wealth, excellent jewels and different kinds of materials.

These Yajfias of that noble-souled (King) became famous by the name “Akrura Yajfia”. Much food and wealth was given as Daksina. All of them fulfilled the cherished desires of all. ,

Thereafter lordly king Duryodhana went to Mithila and underwent divine training in mace fighting under Bala* bhadra.

O Brahmanas, after a great deal of persuasion and pleading (Balabhadra) was brought back to Dvaraka by the leading persons among Vrsnis and Andhakas along with the noble-souled Kr$pa. Vayu Purina 744

After killing Satrughna along with Bandhum&n in battle Akrura, the powerful leader of men, went away along with Andhakas. 86*87. These two excellent men, Satrughna and Bandhuman, were the sons of Bhangakara, the leader of Andhakas. They were bom of Nara, the daughter of Svaphalka. They were very mighty and famous. Kr$na was not pleased at the killing of Bhangakara.

As he was apprehensive of a split amongst his kinsmen, he (Krsna) ignored him (Akrura) . After the departure of Akrura, Indra did not shower rain there.

The whole land was oppressed by drought and was about to perish. Then Kukuras and Andhakas pacified and consoled Akrura.

When (Akrura), the lord (the most prominent) of charitably disposed persons, returned to Dvaravati, Indra showered everywhere, even within the ocean.

In order to please Vasudeva Akrura, the glorious leader of Yadus, gave him his virgin sister of approved good conduct.

After knowing by means of his Yogic power that the Syamantaka jewel was with Babhru, Kr§na Janardana said to Akrura in the open assembly.

€< 0 honourable Lord, please hand over to me the jewel which has come into your possession. Please do nothing ignoble unto me.

The anger raging in my heart for the last sixty years has become great and deep-rooted. A long time has elapsed by now.”

Then at the instance of Kr$na, Babhru, the highly intelligent one, handed over the jewel without any demur in the assembly of all the Sattvatas.

The suppressor of enemies (Kj*§i?a) obtained the jewel from Babhru in a straightforward manner. With a delighted mind, he gave it back to Babhru again.

The son of Gandinl (i.e. Akrura) obtained Syamantaka, the excellent jewel handed over by Kr$na. Wearing it (round his neck) he shone like the Sun. 34, 98-112 745

He who knows this story of the false accusation and the subsequent excellent clearance of the Lord will by no means become a victim of false accusation.

Yugandhara was Bhuti’ s son. Thus the descendants of Bhuti, the Bhautyas have been recounted. Pf£ni had two sons, Svaphalka and Citraka.

Wherever the pious-souled great king Svaphalka stayed, no sickness or fear of drought oppressed the people.

O excellent Brahmanas, once Indra did not shower rain in the realm of the lord, king of Ka£i, for three years.

He made the highly honoured Svaphalka stay there. Due to the presence of Svaphalka, Indra showered rain there.

Svaphalka married the daughter of the king of Ka£. She was a praise-worthy (uncensured) lady named Gandini. Everyday she gifted a cow to a Brahmana. 1

Akrura is remembered as her son. He was munificent, a performer of Yajfias, learned, heroic and fond of guests. Svaphalka himself was very liberal in giving Dakgina.

Akrura begot of Ugrasenl two sons who delighted the family. They were Deva and Anupadeva. They were equal to Devas.

The daughter of (the king of) Kasi bore four sons to Satyaka, viz. Kakuda, Bhajamana, Samika and Balabharhis.

was Kakuda’s son. Vrgti’s son was Kapotaroma and his son was Revat a.

His son was a scholar and a friend of Tumburu. He is famous by the name Candanodakadundubhi . 1

He had twin children—Ahuka2 and Ahuki both of whom were foremost among intelligent ones. They say that Ahuka was invincible, thanks to his (mighty) arms and arrows.

Ahuka gave his sister AhukI toAhukandha. A daughter and two sons were born to Ahukandha*.

The sons were Devaka and Ugrasena. Both of them were brilliant as if bom of divine womb. Heroic sons comparable to Devas were born to Devaka.

They were Devanamdeva, Sudeva and Devarafijita. Their sisters were seven whom he gave to Vasudeva.

The others were Nyagrodha, Sunama, Kadva£anku, Bhumaya, Sutanu, Rastrapala, Yuddhatu§ta and Supusjiman.

Their sisters were five: Karmavati, Dharmavati, Satanku, Ra§frapala and the comely lady Kahva.

Ugrasena, who was born of Kukura family and had a large number of children, was famous. A man remembering this race of Kukuras of unmeasured splendour shall make his own race vast and be endowed with children.

Bhajamana’s sons were Rathimukhya, Viduratha Rajyadhideva, Sura and Vidura.

His sons were Asamaujas and the famous Susamaujas. Kj*$na gave Sudam§j:ra and Surupa1 (as sons in adoption) to Asamaujas to whom no son was born (aj&taputr&ya ). Thus Andhakas have been recounted.

There is no doubt in this that he who daily glorifies this race of Andhakas, gains an extensive race for himself.

Sura begot Devamanusi of Asmaki. Sura begot of Ma$i (Marini in Bd. P.) (the son) Devamidhusa.

Ten men (i.e. sons) were born of Bhasi (Marigi in Bd. P.), the daughter ofBhoja, and Sura. The mighty-armed Vasudeva was the eldest. He was originally known as Anakadundubhi.

Prtha gave birth to three sons who were brilliant like fire. They were heroes with none to match them in the whole world. They were equal to Indra in exploit.

Pfth& gave birth to Yudhi^hira from Dharma, to Bhima (Vrkodara) from Maruta and to Arjuna (Dhanafijaya) from Indra.

It is well-known that Nakula and Sahadeva were born of Madravati. Both of them were endowed with handsome features and inherent strength and good qualities.

The powerful and heroic lord of Karusa named Dantavaktra was born of Srutadeva as the son of VrddhaSarman.

Under these circumstances Vi§nu, the lord of the worlds, lord of the subjects, was born as the long-lived Krsna.

After him was born Subhadra who used to speak pleasantly. She was otherwise known as Kr?na. This girl of the family of Vj*?nis named Subhadra became famous as Kr§na.

The heroic Abhitnanyu was born of Subhadra and Partha (Arjuna) . Listen and understand the names of the other heroic sons born of Vasudeva and his seven highly fortunate wives.

Upadeva gave birth to all these blessed sons : Vijaya, Rocana and Vardhamana. (Bd. P adds : Devala.)

Vrkadevx gave birth to noble-souled Svagahava. (This lady was known by these names as well) Agahi, Svasa, SiSirayinx and Surupa.

Devaki of beautiful nose gave birth to Bhu (Srlkf^na ?) as her seventh son. (Afterwards ) she gave birth to the blessed Gave$aga, who could fight in battle in wonderfully diverse ways.

Sauri (Vasudeva) begot of Saibya the immutable (economical ?) son (Kaufika alias Sraddhadeva) who formerly

Sugandhi and Vanaraji (the servant-maids mentioned before) were also the wives of Sauri. Puncjra and Kapila were# Vasudeva’s sons born of Sugandhi (Bd.P.v. 186). Of them Pu^dra became a king and Kapila went to the forest.

Of the other lady (Vanaraji) Vasudeva had anotheri powerful son who was a foremost wielder of bow. He was a king called Ni$ada.

Mahabhaga was the famous son of Devarata. They call the son born of DevaSravas as one honoured by scholars.

Nivarta begot ofA£maki the sons Anadr§{i of great fame, Sraddhadeva of great strength and SakraSatrughna.

(Defective verse) 2 Sradhadeva was well known as the founder of Ni§adha (Ni$ada) (?) kingdom. Ekalavya of great prowess was nurtured and brought up by Ni?adas (hunting tribes) .

With pleasure Kr§na gave his sons C&rude$na and Samba who had all praiseworthy characteristics and who had learned the use of miraculous weapons, to Gandu^a who was childless.

Tantija and Tantimala were Kanaka's own sons. Vasudeva of great exploit gave them to Vastavani who had no child. Sauti gave his heroic sons Sauri and Kau£ika to him.

(Other members of this family were) Tapas, .Krodhanu, Virajas, Syama and Syftjima. Syama was childless and he went to the forest. He contemptuously treated his status as a member of the Bhoja clan. He secured the status of a Rajar$i ( a royal sage) .

He who reads this story of Kr§na’s birth after regularly observing rites, and also narrates it to Brahmarias shall attain great happiness.

Lord Narayana of great splendour, lord of Devas, the lord of subjects (Prajapati) was formerly born among men out of sportfulness.

The lotus-eyed lord was born of Devaki and Vasudeva, thanks to their penance* It should be known that he had divine form with four arms. He was endowed with glory.

Even after becoming the son of Aditi (Devaki) , the delighter (or scion) of the Yadava clan (Kj*§na) is well-known as god Vi§nu, the younger brother of Indra.

Though Narayana took birth, he is still Avyqya (the unchanging). The Lord Narayana is still eternal even after becoming Hari.

It was he who created the primordial being Prajapati formerly. Even after becoming the son of Aditi (Devaki) the delighter (or scion) of the Yadava clan (Kr§na) is well known as god Vi$nu, the younger brother of Indra.

It was he who blessed Aditi with his grace and was born as her son for the purpose of slaying Daityas, Danavas and Rak§asas, the enemies of Suras.

The family of the intelligent Vasudeva, born of the race of Yayati, became certainly meritorious and holy because Lord Narayana resorted to it.

While Janardana was being born, the oceans trembled, the mountains shook and the sacrificial fires blazed.

While Janardana was born, the winds blew auspiciously. All dust subsided. All the luminaries shone more brilliantly.

The asterism on the day when Janardana was born was Abhijit by name. The night was called Jayanti (the 8th of the dark half of Sravana with the constellation Rohini rising at midnight) . And the Muhurta (the specific period at the time of his birth) was Vijaya by name.

The unmanifest, eternal Lord Hari, Narayana, Kr§na fascinated the people with his eyes as he was born.

The lord of Devas (Indra) showered flowers from the firmament. Eulogising Madhusudana (K?§na) with auspicious words thousands of great sages and Gandharvas offered prayer unto him.

Vasudeva saw lord Adhokgaja (whose form is beyond the ken of the physical sense-organs) born at night as his son endowed with the characteristic curl of hair called Srivatsa and accompanied by various divine signs in heaven.

I say this, O dear one, as I am very much afraid of Kamsa. My sons, your elder brothers, were very wonderful in appearance but were killed by him”.

On hearing the words of Vasudeva, the lord withdrew his form. Permitted by him (the lord) , the father took him to the abode of Nandagopa. Abiding by the suggestion of Ugrasena,1 he gave (the child) to YaSoda then.

Yagoda and Devaki had been pregnant simultaneously. Yagoda was the wife of Nandagopa, the Lord of (herd of) cows.

Yagoda had given birth to a daughter in the same night as Kr§na was born as the lord of the race of Vr?ni.

Protecting the son born to him, Vasudeva of great fame, handed him over to Yagoda and took the daughter with him.

Handing him over to Nandagopa, (Vasudeva) spoke, “Save me. This (adopted) son of your shall be the bestower of all happiness to Yadavas. This is that (long expected) child of Devaki. He shall put an end to all our pain and misery.”

Anakadundubhi took that girl to the son of Ugrasena (i.e. Kamsa) and informed him: “This is the girl of auspicious characteristics” .

Kamsa had not known (till then) that a child had been born to his sister. The wicked-minded one became delighted and spared that girl.

The foolish one muttered within himself: “If it is a girl she is already slain !” That daughter grew up well respected in the abode of Vfsnis. 214-215: (Defective) Just as gods bring up gods2, they protected her like a son. They said that a daughter had been

Why did Kamsa, the king of the Bhoja family, kill the sons of Vasudeva even when they were (mere) infants? It behoves you to explain this to us. Suta said:

It is reported that Kamsa, then the crown prince, acted as a charioteer of the self-possessed Vasudeva along with Devaki (in their marriage) .

Then there arose in the sky a divine voice of some incomprehensible person. It was distinctly loud and clear and was witnessed by all people. Thereby Kamsa remained panicky perpetually (throughout his life).

“O Kamsa, the seventh (?) child of this lady whom you drive in your chariot out of affection, will be the cause of your death.* *

On hearing that (aerial) voice, the foolish Kamsa became distressed. Unsheathing his sword, he evinced his desire to kill her.

The mighty-armed and valorous Vasudeva spoke to Kamsa, the son of Ugrasena, out of friendliness and affection. 224-228, “It does not behove any K§atriya to kill a woman at any time. O scion of the family of Yadus, I have seen a way out in this matter. O King, I shall hand over to you the seventh child that will be born of her. You may do whatever you deem fit then. Even now, O liberal one in giving Dakgina,

Who is this Vasudeva who begot Vi$nu ? Who is this Devaki, the lady of fame, who gave birth to Vi§nu? Who is this Nandagopa and who is this famous lady Yagoda who brought him up? Suta said :

All the men (of the Yadu race) were the incarnations of Kagyapa and all the women of Aditi2 . The mighty-armed lord (thus) fulfilled the desires of Devaki.

The lord entered a human body and moved about on the earth. By means of his Yogic Maya the Yogic-souled lord infatuated all living beings.

When Dharma declined, Vi$nu himself incarnated in the race of Vrsnis in order to reestablish Dharma and to annihilate Asuras.

Thus he had sixteen thousand wives. After consulting Devas, &akra had sent down to the earth the most

In order to become the wives of Vasudeva, they, were born in royal palaces. These were the blessed ladies famous as Vigvaksena’s wives.

Bhadra, Bhadragupta, Bhadravindra and the famous Saptabahu were the sons ; Bhadravati and the famous Sambodhanl were the daughters. These should be known as Jambavati’s children.

Sangramajit, Satajit, and Sahasrajit are glorified as the sons of Sudevi and Visvaksena (i.e. Kj*§na).

Vrka, Vfkasva, Vfkajit, Mitrabahu and Sunitha were the sons. VrjinI and Surangana1 were the daughters. These are the children of the daughter of Nagnajit (i.e. Satya) .

Thus know that he had thousands of sons. (Some say) that Vasudeva had hundred thousands of sons.

Ten thousand and eight of them (or eighty thousand of them) were heroic and experts in battle. The family of Janardana has been recounted to you factually.

Bfhatl (known also as) Nartakonneyi was united (in wedlock) with Sunaya. She was the daughter of Bfhaduktha the noble-souled scion of the family of Suni (Sauneya) .

Her sons were three in number. They were well known as shining splendidly in war, viz. Angada, Kumuda and Sveta. She had a daughter too named Sveta.

Avagaha2, Citra and the heroic Citravara (were

Bhurindrasena and Bhuri were the two sons of Gave§a. Yudhisjhira’s daughter Sutanu was well-known.

The famous son of Alva named Vajra was born of her. Vajra’s son was Pratibahu and Sucaru was his son.

Kalina ( Princess of Kali—Bd.P.) gave birth to the son Suparlva and Samba to Tarasvin. The sons of the noblesoul ed Yadavas were three crores.

Six million of them were extremely valorous and very strong. All these men of great prowess were born of the parts of Devas.

They were born in the family of Yadavas in order to exterminate the Asuras of great penance who had been born among human beings in this world and were harassing them. These Asuras had been killed in the battles between Devas and Asuras.

There were eleven distinct families of the noble-souled Yadavas. But in the family of Vi?nu (i.e. Kj:§na) all of them merged as though into one family.

Vi?nu was their authority and the leader for them. All of them, all human beings*, obeyed his behests and abided by his directions.

Thus the progeny of Vfsnis has been glorified succinctly and in details. The glorification of these bestows fame and fulfilment of cherished desires. •The text is a bit obscure. If ‘sarva-m&nuf&h* in the 2nd line is emended as *sura-mdnu$3b' ( as in Bd. P.v. 262) it means ‘suras and human beings are bound by those who abide by his (K^ua’s) behests*. 758 Vtityu Pu/rtya

As soon as he was born, Dundubhi (divine drum) sounded in heaven. A loud sound of anakas (military drums) rose up in heaven. A heavy shower of flowers fell in the house of Sura. In the entire human world there was no one equal to him in handsome features. 2

(Defective verse) Bhajamana begot of Spijayl other sons also, viz. Ayutayutajit, Sahasrajit, Satajit and Vamaka. Out of those who were born of Bhajamana, king Devav^dha performed a severe penance.

Hence (Bhoja) became frightened and thought of running away. Bhoja’s mare was a divine one named Vijfiatahrdaya (that which understood the heart or mental feeling of the rider) . She had a speed of a hundred Yojanas. It was seated on this mare that he fought with Kr§na. On his speedy mare Bhoja went a hundred Yojanas away. On seeing the quick motion of the chariot, Krsna harassed Satadhanvan. Then the mare became extremely exhausted. O Brahmanas, the vital airs •The line : Sakkfpi sadhy&d vdrdhakydn ndkrUro * bhyupapadyata is obscure. Bd. P.V. 70 reads : fakto’pi idfhydd hdrdtkyo nd'krHro bhyupapadyata / 'Though he was competent to do so, Akrura, the Hardikya, did not do so through perfidy* •

Xhe jewel that Kr§na (redeemed and) gave to Satrajit was worn by Babhru (?) Akrura who was desirous of wealth, coveted the jewel Syamantaka, requested for Satyabhama of excellent (unblamed) beauty through Satadhanva of the Bhoja family.

Anxiously engrossed in thought, the river decided thus : “I do not find any woman in whom a son like this, endowed with all good qualities, will be born to the king Devavpdha. Hence I shall myself become his wife ( Sahavratd— a woman who performs holy rites in one’s company).” She assumed hands4 (i.e. human form) in accordance with her intention.

He went over all the places where Prasena was hunting. With the help of trustworthy men, he followed the footsteps of Prasena and searched the great mountain Rksavan and the excellent mountain Vindhya. He became completely exhausted due to the search. The noble-minded ( lord) then saw Prasena (lying) killed along with his horse. He did not get the jewel there. The lion was seen lying dead not far from the dead body of Prasena. Apparently the lion had been killed by a bear as indicated by the footprints. The scion of the family of Yadu (i.e. Kf$na) traced by means of footprints of the bear and found out the cave of the bear.

Pradyumna, Carudegna, Sude$na, Sarabha, Garu, Carubhadra, Bhadracaru, and Caruvindhya were the sons of Rukminl. She had a daughter Carumati. Sanu, Bhanu, Ak§a, Rohita, Mantraya, Jarandhaka, Tamravaksas, Bhaumari and Jarandhama were the sons of the Garu<Jabannered lord (Kfsna) and Satyabhama. They had four sisters, viz. Bhanu, Bhaumarika, Tamraparni and Jarandhama. Now listen to the children of Jambavati.

He married the girl Rukmini, Satya the daughter ofNagnajit, Satyabliama the daughter of Satrajit, Jambavati, RohinI, Saibya, Sudevi, Madri, Suglla, Kalindi, Mitravinda, Lak?mana, Jalavasini and others.

Listen why the foolish Kamsa killed the infant sons of Anakadundubhi (Vasudeva) immediately after their birth. (I shall explain) how, out of fear, the mighty-armed Kr?na was taken elsewhere immediately after birth and how Govinda, (though) the supreme person was brought up among the cows.

Gandharl gave birth toSumitra and Mitranandana. Madri gave birth to the sons Yudhajit, Devami^husa and Anamitra. The two (last mentioned) were excellent men. Nighna was Anamitra’s son. Nighna had two sons.

The heroic son Bhayasakha was born of Sahadeva. Sarhgadeva gave birth to Tambu. Sauri (thus) begot a son who made the family flourish. Four more sons of his, viz. Upasanga, Vasu, Deva and Rak?ita were killed by Kamsa. Thus he had ten sons. Kamsa killed all of them.

From the youngest son Animitra ( ? Anamitra) of Vr$ni Sini was born. His son was Satyaka who was truthful in speech and endowed with truthful temperament. The son of Satyaka (Satyaki) was Yuyudhana and his son was Bhuti.

Sauri (i.e. Vasudeva) begot the excellent son Kautfka of Vaiiakhi. He begot six sons of Devaki. They were : Su§ena, Klrtiman, Tadaya (Udar$x in Bd.P.), Bhadrasena, Yajudaya the fifth, and Bhadravit the sixth. Kariisa killed all of them.

Sarana had five daughter? who were born prior to these. They were Arcismati, Sunanda, Surasa, Suvaca and Satabala. The following are remembered as the sons and grandsons of Rohini : Bhadrasva, Bhadragupti, Bhadra-

His grandsons born to Rama were famous as Nifita and Utsuka. Rama had other sons as well: Parfvi, Parsvanandi, &i£u, Satyadhfti, Mandabahya, Ramana, Girika, Gira, Suklagulma, Gulma and Daridrantaka.

The blessed lady, the eldest wife of Anakadundubhi, Rohini gave birth to eight children. The eldest son was Rama. The others were Sarana, NiSava, Durdama, Damana, Subhra, Pindaraka and Kusitaka. She had a daughter named Gitra.

YaduSrava and Rujakanya were his younger brothers. Vasudeva had thirteen excellent ladies as wives. Of them Pauravi, Rohini, Madira, Apara, Bhadra, VaiSakhi and Devaki the seventh (were the chief queens) . Two lady attendants Sugandhi and Vanaraji and two others (also were married to him) . Rohini and Pauravi were the daughters of Valmika.2

Santardana was born of Srutakirti, the wife of the prince of Kekaya. Cekitana and Bfhatksatra were the other two mighty (sons) . Brothers Vinda and Anuvinda who were very powerful, were born of the king of Avanti (? ) as sons of Rajadhidevi. The king of Cedi1 , SiSupala, was born of Srutarava as the son of the saintly king Damaghosa. His manliness is well known. He was formerly the ten-necked (Ravana) , the slayer of enemies.

Kunti of Bhoja family adopted Prtha as his daughter. Pan^u married her. Sura had given her in adoption to the aged Kuntibhoja as he had no child. Hence Prtha became known as Kunti and daughter of Kuntibhoja. Pan<ju the chief of Kurus, a great hero, took her as wife from him.

The fame of Vasudeva who was foremost of men, was as brilliant as that of the moon. The other sons were Devabhaga, Devasravas, Anadrsti, Ka<ja, Nandana, Bhrfijina, Syama, Samika, and Ganqlusa. Four daughters, all excellent ladies, were also born, viz. Prtha, Srutaveda, Srutakirti and Srutasrava. There was another (daughter) Rajadhidevi. All these five became mothers of heroic sons.

People of noble souls glorifying the good qualities of Devavrdha say—“He is seen at close quarters exactly as he is heard from a distance. Babhru is the most excellent among men. Devavrdha was equal to Devas. Seventy thousand and sixtyfive men of the line of Babhru and Devavrdha attained immortality (liberation from Sarhsara) .

Krtavarma was the eldest and Satadhanva was the middle one. The other sons were Devarha (Devabahu in Bd. P.), Vanarha, Bhisak, Dvaitaratha, Sudanta, Dhiyanta, Nakavan and Kanakodbhava. A scholarly son Kamalabarhisa was born to Devarha. •This seems to be a wrong statement. Ahuka gave his sister (to the prince ofAvanti) . Ahuka married princess of K&si. From her he had two sons Devaka and Ugrasena. Bd. P. 2.3.71.128 clearly states : dkukat k&tya-duhitur dvau putrau sambabhQvatuk , Vide AIHTi p. 105. Vayu Pur&itQ 748

The sons of Sura were more powerful. They were Vata, Nivata, Sonita, Svetavahana, Sami, Gadavarma, Nid&ta, Sakra and Sakrajit. Sami’s son was Pratiksipta and his son was Svayambhoja. Hfdika was born of Svayambhoja. Hrdika’s ten sons were all of terrible exploits.

They (the sisters) were Vykadeva, Upadev&, Devaraksita, Srideva, Santideva, Mahadeva and Devakl who was the seventh. She was very beautiful to look at. Ugrasena had nine sons, the eldest of whom was Kaxhsa.

(Partially defective) With his white-liveried retinue, the king who was like Ahuka, marched towards the eastern direction displaying (accompanied by) one million and eighty youthful horses (cavalry). He surpassed Bhoja’s twenty-one thousand elephants the ropes of which (elephants ) were made ofgold and silver (wires?). An equal number of thousands (of elephants) of Bhoja (were posted) in the north. (The bells of these elephants) made a tinkling sound.

About Ahuka the following verses are cited : “He had ten thousand war-chariots fully equipped with quivers, martial requisites, banners and flagstaff's, rumbling like clouds. No one ( in his family) was a speaker of untruth, non-performer of Yajfias or non-giver of thousands (as Dakgina). No one was unclean or unrighteous. No one was unlearned or emaciate.” We have heard that Dhfti was the son of Ahuka.

The liberal-minded (king) rendered her pregnant. She conceived a brilliant (son). In the ninth month, the most excellent of rivers gave birth to a son endowed with all good qualities as desired by Devavrdha. About this race, the Brahmanas who know the Puranas, sing this Gatha (glorificatory verse).

His son was Abhijit and his son was Punarvasu. The excellent man (King) had performed a horse-sacrifice for the sake of a son. In the course of that sacrifice, while the rites of Atiratra were being performed, he was born in the middle of the assembly. Therefore Punarvasu became a scholar, donor and righteous performer of Yajiias.

Citraka’s sons were : Pjrthu, Vipfthu, ASvagriva, Aivabahu, Suparlvaka, Gave9ana, Aristanemi, A$va, Suvarma, Varmabhrt, Carmabhyt, Abhumi and Bahubhumi. £ravi$tha and Sravana were the two ( daughters) .

Svaphalka had other sons also—Upamangu, Mangu, Mjrdura, Arimejaya, Girirak$a, Yak$a, Satrughna, Arimardana, Dharmabhft, Sr§facaya, Vargamoca, Avaha and Prativaha. He had a beautiful daughter Vasudeva also.

It is said that she remained in the womb of her mother for many hundreds of years. She did not come out. The father said to her even as she was in the womb, “Be born quickly. Welfare unto you. Wherefore do you stay there?** Remaining in the womb itself the girl said, “ I shall be born if a cow is given everyday. O Father, do you desire it?’* The father said, “So be it’’ and fulfilled her desire.

The Race of Vfsni1 737 Suta said : Sattvata’s wife KauSalya gave birth to handsome sons, viz. Bhajin, Bhajamana, Divya, Devavfdha the king, Andhaka, Mahabhoj a, Vrsni and Yadunandana . They established four races. Listen to them in detail.

Why did Vi?nu incarnate? How many incarnations are remcmbred? How many are the future manifestations of the great soul?

Why is he born in Brahmana and K$atriya families at the closing periods of the Yugas? Why does he incarnate again and again among human beings ? Please explain it to us who (being curious to know) enquire of you.

We wish to hear completely and in detail all the activities of the intelligent Kfsna, the slayer of enemies in different bodies (incarnations).

O Suta, O holy lord, it behoves you to narrate in the proper order his various activities, the different manifestations as well as his nature to us.

How did that lord Vi$nu (well-renowned) among Suras as the slayer of their enemies, adopt the state of being the son of Vasudeva, in his family?

O Suta, what (special) meritorious act was performed by the deathless Devas who invariably perform meritorious deeds, as a result of which (the lord) left the region of Devas and came over to the world of mortals? the verse numbers of that chapter.

f0.20

He is the goal unto those endowed with piety and virtue and is inaccessible to those of sinful deeds. He is a the source of origin of the system of four castes and protector of the same. * Probably M&tr&s * units of time' as in Bd. P. 2.3.72.32. Vayu Purdna

It is he who is greater than penance; they call him the supreme one, the possessor of the great soul. He is the lord, first among the Adityas (sons of Aditi). He is the lord, the destroyer of the Daityas.

At the close of the Yugas, he is the annihilator. He is the slayer of the destroyers of the worlds. He is the bridge (or the boundary) of all the boundaries of the worlds. He is the purest among all those of pure rites.

He is the Vedya (one who should be known) for the Vedic scholars; he is the lord of all powerful persons. He is the Soma to all living beings; he is theAgni (Fire-god) for those of fiery splendour.

He is the mind of men; he is the penance of the ascetics ; he is the modesty of those satisfied with good policy and he is the splendour of the refulgent.

These two secretions (evolutes ) follow Rasa (lymphatic juice). In semen (the mixture of semen and menstrual blood) there are Soma ( Moon) and fire. Semen comes under the category of Kapha (phlegmatic humour) and menstrual blood comes under the category of Pitta ( bilious humour) .

The receptacle of Kapha is heart. Pitta is held in navel. Heart in the centre of body is the place of mind.

Lord HutaSana (Fire) is stationed in the umbilical cavity. Mind should be known as Prajapati (Brahma) and Kapha is considered as Soma ( Moon) .

Pitta is considered as fire. Hence the universe consists of Agni and Soma. The foetus thus originating stays there like a patch of cloud.

Vayu enters and becomes united with the great soul. It is divided into five within the body and develops (the foetus) .

The five divisions are Prdya, Apdna, Samdna, Uddna and Vyana. Among them Prdna moves round and develops the great soul.

Apdna is situated in the lower half of the body. Uddna circulates in the upper half of the body. Vydna is called so because it pervades the whole body. Samdna is present in all the joints.

Thereafter, the five elements, viz. Earth, Wind, Ether, Water and Fire the fifth one, are attained by the foetus. Then it becomes perceivable by the sense-organs.

All the sense-organs enter into that (foetus) and perform their respective functions. They call it then the earthly (physical ) body and the wind is called Prdridtman (having the characteristic form of Praiia, the vital air) .

The pores of the body have Ether as the source of their origin. It is from the element water that the liquid formVayu Pur&na 764 ation (and exudation) in the body take place. The fiery element enters the eyes in the form of moonlight ( ?) The groups of objects function due to his prowess. The Sages enquired :

How did Vi§iiu, the Puru§a who creates all these and all the worlds, attain human state in the mortal world?

O intelligent one, this is our doubt. Our wonder is excessive. He is the ultimate goal of those who attain their goal ( Mokfa ). How did he come to assume the human body?

We wish to hear about the very wonderful exploits of Visnu in the proper order. Vi§nu is described to be so by the Vedas and Devas.

O highly intelligent one, please tell us the story of the wonderful nativity of Visnu. May the wonderful and pleasing narrative be recounted.

The manifestations of the noble soul of reputed strength and prowess are wonderful. The inherent power of Visnu who has become miraculous on account of his wonderful deeds be please narrated. Suta said :

I shall glorify the manifestation of the noble soul, how that lord of great penance was born among human beings.

His incarnations in the human world as a result of Bhfgu’s curse were seventyseven in number*. He incarnates at the closing periods of the Yugas for realising the purpose of Devas.

How can he incarnate as a result of the mutual struggle between Devas and Asuras? We wish to know this, How did the mutual clash between Devas and Asuras take place? SUta replied:

Listen and understand even as I narrate it, the clash between Devas and Asuras in the manner it has taken place. Formerly, Hiranyakalipu, a Daitya, ruled over the three worlds.1

Thereafter the suzerainty over the three worlds was hereditarily established by Bali. There was great friendship between Devas and Asuras.

For ten Yugas all the inhabitants of the universe mixed together without any interruption. Both Devas and Asuras abided by the directions of those two (Daityas).

(Later on) a terrible, violent dispute arose between Devas and Asuras. It caused horrible devastation to both of them.

Many battles were fought between them for their respective share in the patrimony. 2 It is remembered that in this Varaha Kalpa twelve battles ending with the participation of Sanqlamarka (took place) .

Listen to them even as I am recounting them succinctly by their names. The first war is called Narasiihha (that caused by the Man-Lion) . The second was Vamana the act of the Dwarf ( incarnation of Visnu.)

The third war is Varaha (that ofthe Boar incarnation) ; the fourth was at the time of the churning of the ocean for nectar. The fifth was the terrible war of Tarakamaya (on the abduction of Tata by Gandra).

The sixth war was Adibaka and the seventh war was remembered as Traipura (that of the burning of the three cities) . The eighth war was Andhakara and the ninth one was Dhvaja (Flag).

The tenth war should be known as Varta (Vartra ?) (pertaining to Vjrtra); the next one is Halahala. The twelfth war among them is remembered as the terrible Kolahala.

HiranyakaSipu, a Daitya, was killed by Narasimha. Bali was bound by Vamana when the three worlds were overtaken (were measured by Vamana’s steps) .

Hiranyaksa who was of very great strength and prowess and who had never been defeated in wars, was killed in a duel (by Vi$nu in his incarnation as the Boar) , when the clash with Devas ensued.

It was then that the Earth was lifted up on his curved fang by the (divine) Boar. At the time of the churning of the ocean for nectar Prahlada was defeated in battle by Indra.

Virocana, the son of Prahlada, always attempted to kill Indra. In the Tarakamaya war he was killed by Indra by means of his exploits.

Jambha who had acquired the boon of avadhyata (the state of not being killed or immunity from death) along with special miraculous weapons was killed in the sixth war by Visnu who entered the body of Sakra.

When Devas were unable to protect the city of three gods* (?) all Danavas along with (the demon) Tripura were killed by the three-eyed god Siva.

These twelve battles took place between Devas and Asuras resulting in exhausting both Devas and Asuras. They brought about misfortune to the people also.

Hiranyakafipu shone as the ruler and king of the three worlds for one hundred and seven million two hundred and eighty thousand years.

By succession Bali became the king and he ruled for one hundred and three million and sixty thousand years.

2 Prahlada ruled in the company of Asuras for as many years as the period of Bali’s administration.

These three were very famous as the Indras of Asuras. They were very mighty. All these worlds were under Daityas for a period of ten Yugas.

Then the entire kingdom was free from enemies for a period of ten Yugas. Then the three worlds began to be protected by Mahendra without any change.

“Even as we are looking on, Yajfia went over to

Thus addressed, he became depressed. In consoling words, he spoke to them: “O Asuras, do not be afraid. I sh^ll sustain you by means of my spiritual brilliance.

Rainfall, medicinal herbs and the two things, the Earth and Wealth—all these are retained by me. Only a fourth of it is with Suras. I shall hand over to you everything that I hold0 .

With great fury Devas rushed at Danavas and killed them. Being harassed by them, Danavas hastened to Kavya (for protection).

Kavya saw that the sons of Diti were attacked by Devas and that they were in great distress because they were wounded in battle by various weapons1 .

On seeing Devas also standing there he reflected over the fate.2 Remembering the previous incidents, he spoke to them (Asuras) :

“All the three worlds were conquered by Vamana by means of three paces. Bali was bound. Jambha was killed. Virocana was slain.

In twelve great and terrible battles they were killed by Suras. By various means most of the important persons have been killed.

Only a few of you have been spared in these latest battles. I shall now employ a great strategy. Please wait for a short while.

I shall go to Mah&deva for acquiring Mantras for the sake of your victory. Brhaspati is performing Homa and worshipping Agni by means of Mantras.

Hence I shall go unto the lord Nilalohita (Siva) for the sake of Mantras. I shall bless you all after my return.

All of you perform penance in the forest clad in bark garments. Devas will not kill you until I return.

After obtaining the Mantras that will never go against us, from Lord Mahesvara, we shall fight Devas again. You will surely gain victory.”

Then Kavya said to them: “Wait for some time performing penance without enthusiasm, waiting for an opportunity to achieve the object in view. All Devas including Vasava are in my father’s hermitage.”*

After instructing Asuras thus, Kavya approached Mahadeva. After bowing to the lord, the cause of origin of the universe, he said :

“O lord, I wish to secure such Mantras as are not in the possession of Brhaspati. I want them to be the bestowers of fearlessness on Asuras. I wish to defeat Devas”.

Thus requested, the lord said : “O Brahmana ! do you wish for the Mantras ? Perform then the holy rites indicated by me, with purity of mind and observing celibacy. a

For full thousand years you must stay in a topsy turvy position inhaling the smoke from the holy sacrificial fire-pit. Welfare unto you. If you perform (a sacred rite) like this, you will obtain the Mantra from me.” This is a strange statement. Bd. P. reads relevantly : sampratlkfata danavah : “O Danavas, stay waiting (in my father’s hermitage)." 770 Vayu Pur&Qa

On seeing Devas armed with weapons again Asuras became frightened and fled suddenly.

We shall wait here till the return of the preceptor. We shall tell him everything. When Kavya returns we shall fight with Suras.”

On seeing Indra in that helpless condition after being rendered motionless like the sacrificial post, Devas became afraid and fled from there. t

When the groups of Suras had gone, Vi$nu said to Indra: “O lord of Suras, welfare unto you. Enter me. I shall take you away.”

Thus advised Purandara (Indra) entered Vi§nm. On seeing him saved by Vi$nu, the infuriated lady spoke these words :

“O Maghavan, here itself T will burn you down along with Visnu even as all the living beings observe. May the power of my penance be witnessed.”

The lords Indra and Vi§nu, on being oppressed by her, conversed (under their breath) . Vi$nu asked Indra —“How can both of us get free jointly ?”.

Indra replied : “O lord, kill her before she bums us both. Especially I have been attacked. Hence, kill her. Do not delay. ”

Then on seeing her ( thus intending to kill them) Vi$nu got ready (even) to kill that woman. Caught in adverse circumstances, the lord hurriedly remembered his discus.

While she was hastening to kill them, the discus ( SudarSana) , the destroyer of the enemies of Suras, hastened still more. On realising the ruthless attempt of the woman (the mother of Kavya) Vi$nu became furious. Taking up that weapon the husband of Ma (i.e. Laksmi) cutoff her head.

On seeing that terrible slaughter of a woman (his wife) the holy lord Bhrgu became furious. Then Vi$nu was censured and cursed by Bhrgu for the murder of his wife.

“Since (according to Dharma) a woman should not be killed and that you have killed one even though you are conversant with what is Dharma, you will have to take birth among human beings seven times”.

Thereafter, as a result of that curse he incarnates again and again in the world (of mortals) for the welfare of all, whenever virtue (Dharma) declines. 772 Vayu Purdna

After speaking those words of curse to Vi$nu, he (i.e. Bhrgu) took up the head (of the lady ) himself and joined it to her body. Taking up water he said:

“O truthful lady, I am hereby resuscitating you who had been killed by Visnu. If all virtues and holy rites have been understood and practised by me, come to life. If I speak the truth, come to life, thanks to that truth”.

Thus addressed with the emphasis on truth, the gentle lady regained her life. Then he sprinkled her with cool water and uttered, “Get up”.

On seeing her getting up as if from sleep, all living beings loudly applauded “Well done ! Well done !” Such an applause of invisible (incorporeal) voices arose from all the quarters.

Even as all living beings were observing, the lady was resuscitated to life by Bhrgu. That was really miraculous.

On seeing his wife resuscitated to life by Bhrgu without the least agitation Sakra was not at ail happy, because he was afraid of Kavya (all the more).

Indra had no sleep at all (after the incident) . The intelligent chastiser of Paka (i.e. Indra) called his daughter JayantI and spoke to her.

“O daughter, this Kavya is performing a terrible penance for the sake of my destruction (lit. Indra-lcss-ness) . I have been rendered much dispirited by that (Brahmana) of great fortitude.

Go and honour him with auspicious (services) removing his fatigue and by rendering alertly and deligcntly service pleasing to his mind”.

When the terrible rite of inhaling the smoke lasting

Due to his excessive joy, the following hymn to the lord Mahesvara manifested itself. Prostrating (before the Lord), he eulogised Nllalohita (Lord Siva): The Hymn to Sambhii1 (Lord Siva)

“Obeisance to Sitikanfha (Blue-throated god) to Surupa (of good form), to Suvarcas (of good brilliance), to Ririhdna (one who exhibits the mystic mudrd of frequently licking with the tongue), to Lopa (the destroyer), to Vatsara (the presiding deity of the year), to the Jagatpati (the lord of the universe).

To Kapardin (having matted hair), to Ordhvaroman (having hair standing up erect), to Haya (the horse), to Karana (the instrument), to Samskfla (the consecrated), to Sutirtha (the holy centre) , to Deva-deva (Lord of Devas), to Rarhhas (velocity personified).

To Usnifin (one with a turban oj turban-wearer), to Suvaktra (one with a charming face), to Sahasrdk$a (god with a thousand eyes), to Midhvan (bountiful), to Vasureta (distributer

To Sahasrabdhu (one with a thousand i.e. infinite arms), to Sahasrdmalacaksus (one with a thousand clean eyes), to Sahasrakukfi (one with a thousand bellies), to Sahasracarana (one with a thousand feet) .

To Sahasratiras (one with a thousand heads), to Bahurupa (multi-formed), to Viivarupa (immanent in the universe), to Sveta (the white one), to Purusa (primordial man) .

To Nifangin ( one with a quiver) , to Kavacin ( one wearing a coat of mail), to Sukfma (the subtle one), to Ksapana ( the destroyer) , to Tdmra (the copper-coloured), to Siva (the benevolent one).

To Babhru (the tawny-coloured), to Piianga (reddish brown), to Pingala (yellowsih brown), to Aruna ( the pink coloured), to Mahddeva (the great god), to Sarva (the destroyer), to ViSoarupaSiva * (the auspicious omnipresent god).