Arjuna Weds Subhadra, and Krishna Blesses His Devotees

Verse 1 (bhagavata.10.86.1)

श्रीराजोवाच ब्रह्मन् वेदितुमिच्छामः स्वसारां रामकृष्णयोः । यथोपयेमे विजयो या ममासीत् पितामही ॥ 86.1 ॥

śrī-rājovāca brahman veditum icchāmaḥ svasārāṁ rāma-kṛṣṇayoḥ yathopayeme vijayo yā mamāsīt pitāmahī

King Parikshit said: O brahmana, we wish to know how Vijaya (Arjuna) married the sister of Balarama and Krishna, who was my grandmother.

Verse 2 (bhagavata.10.86.2)

श्रीशुक उवाच अर्जुनस्तीर्थयात्रायां पर्यटन्नवनीं प्रभुः । गतः प्रभासमशृणोन्मातुलेयीं स आत्मनः ॥ 86.2 ॥

śrī-śuka uvāca arjunas tīrtha-yātrāyāṁ paryaṭann avanīṁ prabhuḥ gataḥ prabhāsam aśṛṇon mātuleyīṁ sa ātmanaḥ

Shri Shukadeva said: Wandering the earth on pilgrimage, the mighty Arjuna arrived at Prabhasa. There he heard that Balarama intended to give his maternal cousin in marriage to Duryodhana,

Verse 3 (bhagavata.10.86.3)

दुर्योधनाय रामस्तां दास्यतीति न चापरे । तल्लिप्सुः स यतिर्भूत्वा त्रिदण्डी द्वारकामगात् ॥ 86.3 ॥

duryodhanāya rāmas tāṁ dāsyatīti na cāpare tal-lipsuḥ sa yatir bhūtvā tri-daṇḍī dvārakām agāt

and that no one else approved of the match. Wanting her for himself, Arjuna disguised himself as a wandering mendicant, carrying the triple staff, and went to Dvaraka.

Verse 4 (bhagavata.10.86.4)

तत्र वै वार्षितान् मासानवात्सीत् स्वार्थसाधकः । पौरैः सभाजितोऽभीक्ष्णं रामेणाजानता च सः ॥ 86.4 ॥

tatra vai vārṣitān māsān avātsīt svārtha-sādhakaḥ pauraiḥ sabhājito ’bhīkṣṇaṁ rāmeṇājānatā ca saḥ

There, to accomplish his purpose, he stayed through the months of the rainy season. The citizens, and Balarama Himself, not recognizing him, constantly honored him with hospitality.

Verse 5 (bhagavata.10.86.5)

एकदा गृहमानीय आतिथ्येन निमन्त्र्य तम् । श्रद्धयोपहृतं भैक्ष्यं बलेन बुभुजे किल ॥ 86.5 ॥

ekadā gṛham ānīya ātithyena nimantrya tam śraddhayopahṛtaṁ bhaikṣyaṁ balena bubhuje kila

One day Balarama invited him as a guest and brought him to His home, and Arjuna partook of the alms-food respectfully offered there.

Verse 6 (bhagavata.10.86.6)

सोऽपश्यत्तत्र महतीं कन्यां वीरमनोहराम् । प्रीत्युत्फुल्लेक्षणस्तस्यां भावक्षुब्धं मनो दधे ॥ 86.6 ॥

so ’paśyat tatra mahatīṁ kanyāṁ vīra-mano-harām prīty-utphullekṣaṇas tasyāṁ bhāva-kṣubdhaṁ mano dadhe

There he saw the noble maiden Subhadra, enchanting to heroes. His eyes blossomed with delight, and his mind, stirred with feeling, became fixed upon her.

Verse 7 (bhagavata.10.86.7)

सापि तं चकमे वीक्ष्य नारीणां हृदयंगमम् । हसन्ती व्रीडितापाङ्गी तन्न्यस्तहृदयेक्षणा ॥ 86.7 ॥

sāpi taṁ cakame vīkṣya nārīṇāṁ hṛdayaṁ-gamam hasantī vrīḍitāpaṅgī tan-nyasta-hṛdayekṣaṇā

Seeing him, she too desired him — for he could steal the hearts of women — and, smiling bashfully with sidelong glances, she fixed her heart and eyes upon him alone.

Verse 8 (bhagavata.10.86.8)

तां परं समनुध्यायन्नन्तरं प्रेप्सुरर्जुनः । न लेभे शं भ्रमच्चित्तः कामेनातिबलीयसा ॥ 86.8 ॥

tāṁ paraṁ samanudhyāyann antaraṁ prepsur arjunaḥ na lebhe śaṁ bhramac-cittaḥ kāmenāti-balīyasā

Meditating on her alone and seeking an opportunity, Arjuna found no peace; his mind, overwhelmed by an intensely powerful desire, grew agitated.

Verse 9 (bhagavata.10.86.9)

महत्यां देवयात्रायां रथस्थां दुर्गनिर्गताम् । जहारानुमतः पित्रोः कृष्णस्य च महारथः ॥ 86.9 ॥

mahatyāṁ deva-yātrāyāṁ ratha-sthāṁ durga-nirgatāṁ jahārānumataḥ pitroḥ kṛṣṇasya ca mahā-rathaḥ

During a great festival procession for the Lord, when she rode out from the fortress-palace upon a chariot, the mighty chariot-warrior Arjuna, with the sanction of her parents and of Krishna, carried her away.

Verse 10 (bhagavata.10.86.10)

रथस्थो धनुरादाय शूरांश्चारुन्धतो भटान् । विद्राव्य क्रोशतां स्वानां स्वभागं मृगराडिव ॥ 86.10 ॥

ratha-stho dhanur ādāya śūrāṁś cārundhato bhaṭān vidrāvya krośatāṁ svānāṁ sva-bhāgaṁ mṛga-rāḍ iva

Standing on his chariot, bow in hand, he drove off the valiant warriors and guards who barred his way; from among her own kinsmen, crying out in fury, he carried her off as a lion carries away its share of prey.

Verse 11 (bhagavata.10.86.11)

तच्छ्रुत्वा क्षुभितो रामः पर्वणीव महार्णवः । गृहीतपादः कृष्णेन सुहृद्भिश्चानुसान्त्वितः ॥ 86.11 ॥

tac chrutvā kṣubhito rāmaḥ parvaṇīva mahārṇavaḥ gṛhīta-pādaḥ kṛṣṇena suhṛdbhiś cānusāntvitaḥ

Hearing this, Balarama grew as agitated as the ocean on the full-moon day; but Krishna took hold of His feet and, together with well-wishing kinsmen, pacified Him by explaining the matter.

Verse 12 (bhagavata.10.86.12)

प्राहिणोत् पारिबर्हाणि वरवध्वोर्मुदा बलः । महाधनोपस्करेभरथाश्वनरयोषितः ॥ 86.12 ॥

prāhiṇot pāribarhāṇi vara-vadhvor mudā balaḥ mahā-dhanopaskarebha- rathāśva-nara-yoṣitaḥ

Then Balarama, with joy, sent the bride and groom rich wedding gifts of great value — elephants, chariots, horses, and manservants and maidservants, together with abundant wealth and household goods.

Verse 13 (bhagavata.10.86.13)

श्रीशुक उवाच कृष्णस्यासीद् द्विजश्रेष्ठः श्रुतदेव इति श्रुतः । कृष्णैकभक्त्या पूर्णार्थः शान्तः कविरलम्पटः ॥ 86.13 ॥

śrī-śuka uvāca kṛṣṇasyāsīd dvija-śreṣṭhaḥ śrutadeva iti śrutaḥ kṛṣṇaika-bhaktyā pūrṇārthaḥ śāntaḥ kavir alampataḥ

Shri Shukadeva continued: Among Krishna's devotees was a foremost brahmana named Shrutadeva, who through devotion to Krishna alone was fully satisfied, peaceful, learned, and free from craving for sense-pleasure.

Verse 14 (bhagavata.10.86.14)

स उवास विदेहेषु मिथिलायां गृहाश्रमी । अनीहयागताहार्यनिर्वर्तितनिजक्रियः ॥ 86.14 ॥

sa uvāsa videheṣu mithilāyāṁ gṛhāśramī anīhayāgatāhārya- nirvartita-nija-kriyaḥ

He dwelt as a householder in the city of Mithila in the land of Videha, performing all his obligatory duties while sustaining himself only on whatever came to him without effort.

Verse 15 (bhagavata.10.86.15)

यात्रामात्रं त्वहरहर्दैवादुपनमत्युत । नाधिकं तावता तुष्टः क्रिया चक्रे यथोचिताः ॥ 86.15 ॥

yātrā-mātraṁ tv ahar ahar daivād upanamaty uta nādhikaṁ tāvatā tuṣṭaḥ kriyā cakre yathocitāḥ

Day by day, whatever bare sustenance came to him by providence, with that alone he remained content, desiring nothing more, and duly performed his prescribed duties.

Verse 16 (bhagavata.10.86.16)

तथा तद्राष्ट्रपालोऽङ्ग बहुलाश्व इति श्रुतः । मैथिलो निरहम्मान उभावप्यच्युतप्रियौ ॥ 86.16 ॥

tathā tad-rāṣṭra-pālo ’ṅga bahulāśva iti śrutaḥ maithilo niraham-māna ubhāv apy acyuta-priyau

In the same way, my dear King, the ruler of that kingdom, one born in the line of Mithila named Bahulashva, was likewise free of false pride — both of these were exceedingly dear to Lord Achyuta.

Verse 17 (bhagavata.10.86.17)

तयोः प्रसन्नो भगवान् दारुकेणाहृतं रथम् । आरुह्य साकं मुनिभिर्विदेहान् प्रययौ प्रभुः ॥ 86.17 ॥

tayoḥ prasanno bhagavān dārukeṇāhṛtaṁ ratham āruhya sākaṁ munibhir videhān prayayau prabhuḥ

Pleased with the two of them, the Lord mounted the chariot brought by Daruka and, together with the sages, set out for the land of Videha.

Verse 18 (bhagavata.10.86.18)

नारदो वामदेवोऽत्रिः कृष्णो रामोऽसितोऽरुणिः । अहं बृहस्पतिः कण्वो मैत्रेयश्च्यवनादयः ॥ 86.18 ॥

nārado vāmadevo ’triḥ kṛṣṇo rāmo ’sito ’ruṇiḥ ahaṁ bṛhaspatiḥ kaṇvo maitreyaś cyavanādayaḥ

Narada, Vamadeva, Atri, Krishna-Dvaipayana, Parashurama, Asita, Aruni, I myself, Brihaspati, Kanva, Maitreya and Chyavana, among others — these accompanied Him.

Verse 19 (bhagavata.10.86.19)

तत्र तत्र तमायान्तं पौरा जानपदा नृप । उपतस्थुः सार्घ्यहस्ता ग्रहैः सूर्यमिवोदितम् ॥ 86.19 ॥

tatra tatra tam āyāntaṁ paurā jānapadā nṛpa upatasthuḥ sārghya-hastā grahaiḥ sūryam ivoditam

O King, in every town and countryside He passed, the people came forward with arghya-offerings in their hands to receive Him, as though worshiping the rising sun surrounded by the planets.

Verse 20 (bhagavata.10.86.20)

आनर्तधन्वकुरुजाङ्गलकङ्कमत्स्य- पाञ्चालकुन्तिमधुकेकयकोशलार्णाः । अन्ये च तन्मुखसरोजमुदारहास- स्निग्धेक्षणं नृप पपुर्दृशिभिर्नृनार्यः ॥ 86.20 ॥

ānarta-dhanva-kuru-jāṅgala-kaṅka-matsya- pāñcāla-kunti-madhu-kekaya-kośalārṇāḥ anye ca tan-mukha-sarojam udāra-hāsa- snigdhekṣaṇaṁ nṛpa papur dṛśibhir nr-nāryaḥ

The men and women of Anarta, Dhanva, Kuru-jangala, Kanka, Matsya, Panchala, Kunti, Madhu, Kekaya, Koshala, Arna and other lands drank in with their eyes His lotus face, gracious with generous laughter and tender glances.

Verse 21 (bhagavata.10.86.21)

तेभ्यः स्ववीक्षणविनष्टतमिस्रदृग्भ्यः क्षेमं त्रिलोकगुरुरर्थदृशं च यच्छन् । शृण्वन् दिगन्तधवलं स्वयशोऽशुभघ्नं गीतं सुरैर्नृभिरगाच्छनकैर्विदेहान् ॥ 86.21 ॥

tebhyaḥ sva-vīkṣaṇa-vinaṣṭa-tamisra-dṛgbhyaḥ kṣemaṁ tri-loka-gurur artha-dṛśaṁ ca yacchan śṛṇvan dig-anta-dhavalaṁ sva-yaśo ’śubha-ghnaṁ gītaṁ surair nṛbhir agāc chanakair videhān

Bestowing well-being and true insight upon those whose eyes, blind with ignorance, are healed by His mere glance — He, the preceptor of the three worlds — listening to His own glory, radiant to the ends of the horizon and destructive of all inauspiciousness, sung by gods and men alike, gradually reached the land of Videha.

Verse 22 (bhagavata.10.86.22)

तेऽच्युतं प्राप्तमाकर्ण्य पौरा जानपदा नृप । अभीयुर्मुदितास्तस्मै गृहीतार्हणपाणयः ॥ 86.22 ॥

te ’cyutaṁ prāptam ākarṇya paurā jānapadā nṛpa abhīyur muditās tasmai gṛhītārhaṇa-pāṇayaḥ

O King, hearing that Lord Achyuta had arrived, the people of the towns and countryside, overjoyed, hurried forth to meet Him with offerings in their hands.

Verse 23 (bhagavata.10.86.23)

दृष्ट्वा त उत्तमःश्लोकं प्रीत्युत्फुलाननाशयाः । कैर्धृताञ्जलिभिर्नेमुः श्रुतपूर्वांस्तथा मुनीन् ॥ 86.23 ॥

dṛṣṭvā ta uttamaḥ-ślokaṁ prīty-utphulānanāśayāḥ kair dhṛtāñjalibhir nemuḥ śruta-pūrvāṁs tathā munīn

The moment they beheld Lord Uttamahshloka, their faces and hearts blossomed with love; raising joined palms above their heads, they bowed to Him and to the sages, of whom until then they had only heard.

Verse 24 (bhagavata.10.86.24)

स्वानुग्रहाय सम्प्राप्तं मन्वानौ तं जगद्गुरुम् । मैथिलः श्रुतदेवश्च पादयोः पेततुः प्रभोः ॥ 86.24 ॥

svānugrahāya samprāptaṁ manvānau taṁ jagad-gurum maithilaḥ śrutadevaś ca pādayoḥ petatuḥ prabhoḥ

Thinking that the preceptor of the universe had come there solely to show him grace, both the King of Mithila and Shrutadeva fell at the Lord's feet.

Verse 25 (bhagavata.10.86.25)

न्यमन्त्रयेतां दाशार्हमातिथ्येन सह द्विजैः । मैथिलः श्रुतदेवश्च युगपत् संहताञ्जली ॥ 86.25 ॥

nyamantrayetāṁ dāśārham ātithyena saha dvijaiḥ maithilaḥ śrutadevaś ca yugapat saṁhatāñjalī

Together, with joined palms, the King of Mithila and Shrutadeva each invited the Lord of the Dashsarhas, along with the brahmanas accompanying Him, to be his guest.

Verse 26 (bhagavata.10.86.26)

भगवांस्तदभिप्रेत्य द्वयोः प्रियचिकीर्षया । उभयोराविशद् गेहमुभाभ्यां तदलक्षितः ॥ 86.26 ॥

bhagavāṁs tad abhipretya dvayoḥ priya-cikīrṣayā ubhayor āviśad geham ubhābhyāṁ tad-alakṣitaḥ

Understanding their wish and desiring to please them both, the Lord entered both their homes simultaneously, unseen by either as He entered the other's house.

Verse 27 (bhagavata.10.86.27)

श्रान्तानप्यथ तान् दूराज्जनकः स्वगृहागतान् । आनीतेष्वासनाग्र्येषु सुखासीनान् महामनाः ॥ 86.27 ॥

śrāntān apy atha tān dūrāj janakaḥ sva-gṛhāgatān ānīteṣv āsanāgryeṣu sukhāsīnān mahā-manāḥ

Seeing them — somewhat wearied from their journey — approaching his home from afar, the noble-hearted Janaka (Bahulashva) had the finest seats brought and had them comfortably seated.

Verse 28 (bhagavata.10.86.28)

प्रवृद्धभक्त्या उद्धर्षहृदयास्राविलेक्षणः । नत्वा तदङ्घ्रीन् प्रक्षाल्य तदपो लोकपावनीः ॥ 86.28 ॥

pravṛddha-bhaktyā uddharṣa- hṛdayāsrāvilekṣaṇaḥ natvā tad-aṅghrīn prakṣālya tad-apo loka-pāvanīḥ

With his heart overflowing in mounting devotion, his eyes dimmed with tears, he bowed to them, then washed their feet, and took up that water, purifying to the whole world,

Verse 29 (bhagavata.10.86.29)

सकुटुम्बो वहन् मूर्ध्ना पूजयां चक्र ईश्वरान् । गन्धमाल्याम्बराकल्पधूपदीपार्घ्यगोवृषैः ॥ 86.29 ॥

sa-kuṭumbo vahan mūrdhnā pūjayāṁ cakra īśvarān gandha-mālyāmbarākalpa- dhūpa-dīpārghya-go-vṛṣaiḥ

and, bearing it upon his own head together with his family, he then worshiped those lordly guests with fragrant paste, garlands, fine clothes, ornaments, incense, lamps, arghya, and gifts of cows and bulls.

Verse 30 (bhagavata.10.86.30)

वाचा मधुरया प्रीणन्निदमाहान्नतर्पितान् । पादावङ्कगतौ विष्णोः संस्पृशञ्छनकैर्मुदा ॥ 86.30 ॥

vācā madhurayā prīṇann idam āhānna-tarpitān pādāv aṅka-gatau viṣṇoḥ saṁspṛśañ chanakair mudā

Having satisfied them fully with food, and pleasing them with sweet words, the King placed Vishnu's two feet upon his lap and, gently caressing them with joy, spoke as follows.

Verse 31 (bhagavata.10.86.31)

श्रीबहुलाश्व उवाच भवान् हि सर्वभूतानामात्मा साक्षी स्वदृग् विभो । अथ नस्त्वत्पदाम्भोजं स्मरतां दर्शनं गतः ॥ 86.31 ॥

śrī-bahulāśva uvāca bhavān hi sarva-bhūtānām ātmā sākṣī sva-dṛg vibho atha nas tvat-padāmbhojaṁ smaratāṁ darśanaṁ gataḥ

Shri Bahulashva said: O almighty Lord, You alone are the Self, the witness, and the self-luminous seer of all beings; today You have come to grant Your sight to us, who ever meditate on Your lotus feet.

Verse 32 (bhagavata.10.86.32)

स्ववचस्तदृतं कर्तुमस्मद्दृग्गोचरो भवान् । यदात्थैकान्तभक्तान् मे नानन्तः श्रीरजः प्रियः ॥ 86.32 ॥

sva-vacas tad ṛtaṁ kartum asmad-dṛg-gocaro bhavān yad ātthaikānta-bhaktān me nānantaḥ śrīr ajaḥ priyaḥ

You have made Yourself visible to our eyes to prove Your own word true — for You have said that neither Ananta, nor Shri, nor unborn Brahma are as dear to You as Your unalloyed devotee.

Verse 33 (bhagavata.10.86.33)

को नु त्वच्चरणाम्भोजमेवंविद् विसृजेत् पुमान् । निष्किञ्चनानां शान्तानां मुनीनां यस्त्वमात्मदः ॥ 86.33 ॥

ko nu tvac-caraṇāmbhojam evaṁ-vid visṛjet pumān niṣkiñcanānāṁ śāntānāṁ munīnāṁ yas tvam ātma-daḥ

What man, knowing this truth, would ever give up Your lotus feet — when to those peaceful sages who possess nothing, You bestow Your very self?

Verse 34 (bhagavata.10.86.34)

योऽवतीर्य यदोर्वंशे नृणां संसरतामिह । यशो वितेने तच्छान्त्यै त्रैलोक्यवृजिनापहम् ॥ 86.34 ॥

yo ’vatīrya yador vaṁśe nṛṇāṁ saṁsaratām iha yaśo vitene tac-chāntyai trai-lokya-vṛjināpaham

Descending in the Yadu dynasty for the peace of men caught in the cycle of worldly existence, You have spread that glory of Yours which destroys the sins of all three worlds.

Verse 35 (bhagavata.10.86.35)

नमस्तुभ्यं भगवते कृष्णायाकुण्ठमेधसे । नारायणाय ऋषये सुशान्तं तप ईयुषे ॥ 86.35 ॥

namas tubhyaṁ bhagavate kṛṣṇāyākuṇṭha-medhase nārāyaṇāya ṛṣaye su-śāntaṁ tapa īyuṣe

Obeisances to You, Lord Krishna, whose intelligence is forever unobstructed; and obeisances to the sage Narayana, ever engaged in perfect, tranquil austerity.

Verse 36 (bhagavata.10.86.36)

दिनानि कतिचिद् भूमन् गृहान् नो निवस द्विजैः । समेतः पादरजसा पुनीहीदं निमेः कुलम् ॥ 86.36 ॥

dināni katicid bhūman gṛhān no nivasa dvijaiḥ sametaḥ pāda-rajasā punīhīdaṁ nimeḥ kulam

O all-pervading Lord, please dwell in our house for a few days, together with these brahmanas, and sanctify this dynasty of Nimi with the dust of Your feet.

Verse 37 (bhagavata.10.86.37)

इत्युपामन्त्रितो राज्ञा भगवाल्ँ लोकभावनः । उवास कुर्वन् कल्याणं मिथिलानरयोषिताम् ॥ 86.37 ॥

ity upāmantrito rājñā bhagavāḻ loka-bhāvanaḥ uvāsa kurvan kalyāṇaṁ mithilā-nara-yoṣitām

[Shri Shukadeva continued:] Thus invited by the King, the Lord, sustainer of the world, agreed to remain there for some time, bestowing well-being upon the men and women of Mithila.

Verse 38 (bhagavata.10.86.38)

श्रुतदेवोऽच्युतं प्राप्तं स्वगृहाञ्जनको यथा । नत्वा मुनीन् सुसंहृष्टो धुन्वन् वासो ननर्त ह ॥ 86.38 ॥

śrutadevo ’cyutaṁ prāptaṁ sva-gṛhāñ janako yathā natvā munīn su-saṁhṛṣṭo dhunvan vāso nanarta ha

Just as Janaka had done, Shrutadeva too received Lord Achyuta, arrived at his home; bowing to the sages, overjoyed, he began to dance, waving his upper garment.

Verse 39 (bhagavata.10.86.39)

तृणपीठबृषीष्वेतानानीतेषूपवेश्य सः । स्वागतेनाभिनन्द्याङ्घ्रीन् सभार्योऽवनिजे मुदा ॥ 86.39 ॥

tṛṇa-pīṭha-bṛṣīṣv etān ānīteṣūpaveśya saḥ svāgatenābhinandyāṅghrīn sa-bhāryo ’vanije mudā

Seating them upon mats of grass and kusha he had brought, and welcoming them with words of greeting, he and his wife together washed their feet with great joy.

Verse 40 (bhagavata.10.86.40)

तदम्भसा महाभाग आत्मानं सगृहान्वयम् । स्नापयां चक्र उद्धर्षो लब्धसर्वमनोरथः ॥ 86.40 ॥

tad-ambhasā mahā-bhāga ātmānaṁ sa-gṛhānvayam snāpayāṁ cakra uddharṣo labdha-sarva-manorathaḥ

With that water, the most fortunate Shrutadeva sprinkled himself, his house and his family; overjoyed, he felt as though every desire of his heart had now been fulfilled.

Verse 41 (bhagavata.10.86.41)

फलार्हणोशीरशिवामृताम्बुभि- र्मृदा सुरभ्या तुलसीकुशाम्बुजैः । आराधयामास यथोपपन्नया सपर्यया सत्त्वविवर्धनान्धसा ॥ 86.41 ॥

phalārhaṇośīra-śivāmṛtāmbubhir mṛdā surabhyā tulasī-kuśāmbuyaiḥ ārādhayām āsa yathopapannayā saparyayā sattva-vivardhanāndhasā

With fruits, ushira root, wholesome nectar-like water, fragrant clay, tulasi, kusha grass and lotus flowers — all easily obtained — and with such offerings as were available, together with food that nourishes the mode of goodness, he duly worshiped them.

Verse 42 (bhagavata.10.86.42)

स तर्कयामास कुतो ममान्वभूत् गृहान्धकूपे पतितस्य सङ्गमः । यः सर्वतीर्थास्पदपादरेणुभिः कृष्णेन चास्यात्मनिकेतभूसुरैः ॥ 86.42 ॥

sa tarkayām āsa kuto mamānv abhūt gṛhāndha-kūpe patitasya saṅgamaḥ yaḥ sarva-tīrthāspada-pāda-reṇubhiḥ kṛṣṇena cāsyātma-niketa-bhūsuraiḥ

He reflected: How has it come about that I, fallen into the blind well of household life, have obtained the company of Krishna, and of these brahmanas whose very feet-dust is the refuge of all holy places, and in whose hearts the Lord Himself dwells?

Verse 43 (bhagavata.10.86.43)

सूपविष्टान् कृतातिथ्यान् श्रुतदेव उपस्थितः । सभार्यस्वजनापत्य उवाचाङ्घ्र्यभिमर्शनः ॥ 86.43 ॥

sūpaviṣṭān kṛtātithyān śrutadeva upasthitaḥ sa-bhārya-svajanāpatya uvācāṅghry-abhimarśanaḥ

To those guests, now comfortably seated and duly honored, Shrutadeva came forward together with his wife, kinsfolk and children, and, gently pressing their feet, he spoke as follows.

Verse 44 (bhagavata.10.86.44)

श्रुतदेव उवाच नाद्य नो दर्शनं प्राप्तः परं परमपूरुषः । यर्हीदं शक्तिभिः सृष्ट्वा प्रविष्टो ह्यात्मसत्तया ॥ 86.44 ॥

śrutadeva uvāca nādya no darśanaṁ prāptaḥ paraṁ parama-pūruṣaḥ yarhīdaṁ śaktibhiḥ sṛṣṭvā praviṣṭo hy ātma-sattayā

Shrutadeva said: It is not that we have received Your audience only today, O Supreme Person — for from the very moment You created this universe by Your energies, You have entered it in Your own true form.

Verse 45 (bhagavata.10.86.45)

यथा शयानः पुरुषो मनसैवात्ममायया । सृष्ट्वा लोकं परं स्वाप्नमनुविश्यावभासते ॥ 86.45 ॥

yathā śayānaḥ puruṣo manasaivātma-māyayā sṛṣṭvā lokaṁ paraṁ svāpnam anuviśyāvabhāsate

Just as a sleeping man, through his own inner maya, creates by his mind a separate dream-world, and then, entering it, appears within it — so it is with You.

Verse 46 (bhagavata.10.86.46)

शृण्वतां गदतां शश्वदर्चतां त्वाभिवन्दताम् । नृणां संवदतामन्तर्हृदि भास्यमलात्मनाम् ॥ 86.46 ॥

śṛṇvatāṁ gadatāṁ śaśvad arcatāṁ tvābhivandatām ṇṛṇāṁ saṁvadatām antar hṛdi bhāsy amalātmanām

To those men of pure heart who continually hear of You, speak of You, worship You, offer You homage, and converse together of You alone — to them, within their own hearts, You reveal Yourself.

Verse 47 (bhagavata.10.86.47)

हृदिस्थोऽप्यतिदूरस्थः कर्मविक्षिप्तचेतसाम् । आत्मशक्तिभिरग्राह्योऽप्यन्त्युपेतगुणात्मनाम् ॥ 86.47 ॥

hṛdi-stho ’py ati-dūra-sthaḥ karma-vikṣipta-cetasām ātma-śaktibhir agrāhyo ’py anty upeta-guṇātmanām

Though dwelling within the heart, You remain utterly beyond reach for those whose minds are scattered by material work; by their own power they cannot grasp You — yet to those who have taken Your qualities into their very being, You are most near.

Verse 48 (bhagavata.10.86.48)

नमोऽस्तु तेऽध्यात्मविदां परात्मने अनात्मने स्वात्मविभक्तमृत्यवे । सकारणाकारणलिङ्गमीयुषे स्वमाययासंवृतरुद्धदृष्टये ॥ 86.48 ॥

namo ’stu te ’dhyātma-vidāṁ parātmane anātmane svātma-vibhakta-mṛtyave sa-kāraṇākāraṇa-liṅgam īyuṣe sva-māyayāsaṁvṛta-ruddha-dṛṣṭaye

Obeisances to You, who are known as the Supreme Soul by those who know the science of the self, while to the forgetful You appear as death itself, severing them from their own true nature; You assume both a form with cause and one without cause, and by Your own maya You remain, for some, unveiled to sight, and for others, veiled.

Verse 49 (bhagavata.10.86.49)

स त्वं शाधि स्वभृत्यान् नः किं देव करवाम हे । एतदन्तो नृणां क्लेशो यद् भवानक्षिगोचरः ॥ 86.49 ॥

sa tvaṁ śādhi sva-bhṛtyān naḥ kiṁ deva karavāma he etad-anto nṛṇāṁ kleśo yad bhavān akṣi-gocaraḥ

O Lord, You are that very Supreme Self, and we are Your servants — tell us, what shall we do for You? For a man's every affliction comes to its end simply by beholding You.

Verse 50 (bhagavata.10.86.50)

श्रीशुक उवाच तदुक्तमित्युपाकर्ण्य भगवान् प्रणतार्तिहा । गृहीत्वा पाणिना पाणिं प्रहसंस्तमुवाच ह ॥ 86.50 ॥

śrī-śuka uvāca tad-uktam ity upākarṇya bhagavān praṇatārti-hā gṛhītvā pāṇinā pāṇiṁ prahasaṁs tam uvāca ha

Shri Shukadeva said: Hearing these words, the Lord, who removes the distress of the surrendered soul, took Shrutadeva's hand in His own and, smiling, spoke to him thus.

Verse 51 (bhagavata.10.86.51)

श्रीभगवानुवाच ब्रह्मंस्तेऽनुग्रहार्थाय सम्प्राप्तान् विद्ध्यमून् मुनीन् । सञ्चरन्ति मया लोकान् पुनन्तः पादरेणुभिः ॥ 86.51 ॥

śrī-bhagavān uvāca brahmaṁs te ’nugrahārthāya samprāptān viddhy amūn munīn sañcaranti mayā lokān punantaḥ pāda-reṇubhiḥ

The Supreme Lord said: O brahmana, know that these sages have come here for the very purpose of blessing you; they travel with Me through the worlds, sanctifying them with the dust of their feet.

Verse 52 (bhagavata.10.86.52)

देवाः क्षेत्राणि तीर्थानि दर्शनस्पर्शनार्चनैः । शनैः पुनन्ति कालेन तदप्यर्हत्तमेक्षया ॥ 86.52 ॥

devāḥ kṣetrāṇi tīrthāni darśana-sparśanārcanaiḥ śanaiḥ punanti kālena tad apy arhattamekṣayā

Deities, sacred places and holy rivers purify gradually, over time, through being seen, touched and worshiped — but that same result is granted at once by a single glance from an exalted soul.

Verse 53 (bhagavata.10.86.53)

ब्राह्मणो जन्मना श्रेयान् सर्वेषां प्राणिनामिह । तपसा विद्यया तुष्ट्या किमु मत्कलया युतः ॥ 86.53 ॥

brāhmaṇo janmanā śreyān sarveṣām prāṇinām iha tapasā vidyayā tuṣṭyā kim u mat-kalayā yutaḥ

A brahmana, by birth alone, is the foremost of all living beings in this world; and he is finer still when endowed with austerity, learning and contentment — how much more so when joined with devotion to Me!

Verse 54 (bhagavata.10.86.54)

न ब्राह्मणान्मे दयितं रूपमेतच्चतुर्भुजम् । सर्ववेदमयो विप्रः सर्वदेवमयो ह्यहम् ॥ 86.54 ॥

na brāhmaṇān me dayitaṁ rūpam etac catur-bhujam sarva-veda-mayo vipraḥ sarva-deva-mayo hy aham

Not even this four-armed form of Mine is as dear to Me as a brahmana; a learned brahmana embodies all the Vedas within himself, just as I Myself embody all the gods.

Verse 55 (bhagavata.10.86.55)

दुष्प्रज्ञा अविदित्वैवमवजानन्त्यसूयवः । गुरुं मां विप्रमात्मानमर्चादाविज्यदृष्टयः ॥ 86.55 ॥

duṣprajñā aviditvaivam avajānanty asūyavaḥ guruṁ māṁ vipram ātmānam arcādāv ijya-dṛṣṭayaḥ

Not knowing this truth, malicious and foolish people disregard the learned brahmana — who, being nondifferent from Me, is truly their guru and their own self — and regard as worshipable only such visible forms as the temple image.

Verse 56 (bhagavata.10.86.56)

चराचरमिदं विश्वं भावा ये चास्य हेतवः । मद्रूपाणीति चेतस्याधत्ते विप्रो मदीक्षया ॥ 86.56 ॥

carācaram idaṁ viśvaṁ bhāvā ye cāsya hetavaḥ mad-rūpāṇīti cetasy ādhatte vipro mad-īkṣayā

Having directly realized Me, the brahmana remains firmly established in the knowledge that this entire moving and unmoving universe, and the very elements that cause its creation, are all forms manifested from Me.

Verse 57 (bhagavata.10.86.57)

तस्माद् ब्रह्मऋषीनेतान् ब्रह्मन् मच्छ्रद्धयार्चय । एवं चेदर्चितोऽस्म्यद्धा नान्यथा भूरिभूतिभिः ॥ 86.57 ॥

tasmād brahma-ṛṣīn etān brahman mac-chraddhayārcaya evaṁ ced arcito ’smy addhā nānyathā bhūri-bhūtibhiḥ

Therefore, O brahmana, worship these brahmana-sages with the same faith you hold for Me; only by doing so am I truly worshiped — not otherwise, even by offerings of vast wealth.

Verse 58 (bhagavata.10.86.58)

श्रीशुक उवाच स इत्थं प्रभुनादिष्टः सहकृष्णान् द्विजोत्तमान् । आराध्यैकात्मभावेन मैथिलश्चाप सद्गतिम् ॥ 86.58 ॥

śrī-śuka uvāca sa itthaṁ prabhunādiṣṭaḥ saha-kṛṣṇān dvijottamān ārādhyaikātma-bhāvena maithilaś cāpa sad-gatim

Shri Shukadeva said: Thus instructed by his Lord, Shrutadeva worshiped Krishna together with those foremost brahmanas with a heart fixed in single-minded devotion, and the King of Mithila likewise attained the supreme destination.

Verse 59 (bhagavata.10.86.59)

एवं स्वभक्तयो राजन् भगवान् भक्तभक्तिमान् । उषित्वादिश्य सन्मार्गं पुनर्द्वारवतीमगात् ॥ 86.59 ॥

evaṁ sva-bhaktayo rājan bhagavān bhakta-bhaktimān uṣitvādiśya san-mārgaṁ punar dvāravatīm agāt

O King, thus the Lord, ever affectionate toward His own devotees, remained for some time with His two great devotees — Shrutadeva and Bahulashva — teaching them the noble path of the righteous, and then returned once more to Dvaraka.