The Glory of the Bull-Release: King Virvahana's Story

Verse 1 (garuda.2.6.1)

गरुड उवाच । अपि साधनयुक्तस्य तीर्थदानरतस्य च । अकृते तु वृषोत्सर्गे परलोकगतिर्न हि

garuḍa uvāca | api sādhanayuktasya tīrthadānaratasya ca | akṛte tu vṛṣotsarge paralokagatirna hi

Garuda said: Even for one endowed with the means, and constantly devoted to pilgrimage and giving, is there truly no passage to the world beyond without the vrishotsarga rite?

Verse 2 (garuda.2.6.2)

तस्मात्कृष्ण वृषोत्सर्गः कर्तव्य इति मे श्रुतम् । किं फलं वृषयज्ञस्य पुरा केन कृतो हरे

tasmātkṛṣṇa vṛṣotsargaḥ kartavya iti me śrutam | kiṁ phalaṁ vṛṣayajñasya purā kena kṛto hare

Therefore, O Krishna, I have heard that vrishotsarga must be performed. What is the fruit of this bull-sacrifice, and who, O Hari, first performed it in ancient times?

Verse 3 (garuda.2.6.3)

अनड्वान् कीदृशः प्रोक्तः कस्मिन् काले विशेषतः । को विधिस्तस्य निर्दिष्टः सर्वं मे कृपया वद

anaḍvān kīdṛśaḥ proktaḥ kasmin kāle viśeṣataḥ | ko vidhistasya nirdiṣṭaḥ sarvaṁ me kṛpayā vada

What kind of bull is prescribed, and at what particular time? What procedure is laid down for it? Tell me all this, out of your kindness.

Verse 4 (garuda.2.6.4)

श्रीकृष्ण उवाच । इतिहासं महापुण्यं प्रवक्ष्यामि खगेश्वर । ब्रह्मपुत्रेण यत्प्रोक्तं राजानं वीरवाहनम्

śrīkṛṣṇa uvāca | itihāsaṁ mahāpuṇyaṁ pravakṣyāmi khageśvara | brahmaputreṇa yatproktaṁ rājānaṁ vīravāhanam

Shri Krishna said: O lord of birds, I shall relate a most sacred history, that which the son of Brahma once told to a king named Virvahana.

Verse 5 (garuda.2.6.5)

विराधनगरे राजा वीरवाहननामकः । धर्मात्मा सत्यसन्धश्च वदान्यो विप्रतुष्टिकृत्

virādhanagare rājā vīravāhananāmakaḥ | dharmātmā satyasandhaśca vadānyo vipratuṣṭikṛt

In the city of Viradha there was a king named Virvahana — righteous, true to his word, generous, and one who gladdened brahmins.

Verse 6 (garuda.2.6.6)

स कदाचिद्वनं वीरो महात्माखेटकं गतः । किञ्चित्प्रष्टुमनास्तार्क्ष्य वसिष्ठस्याश्रमं ययौ

sa kadācidvanaṁ vīro mahātmākheṭakaṁ gataḥ | kiñcitpraṣṭumanāstārkṣya vasiṣṭhasyāśramaṁ yayau

O Tarkshya, once that great-souled hero went to the forest to hunt. Wishing to ask something, he made his way to the hermitage of Vasishtha.

Verse 7 (garuda.2.6.7)

नमस्कृत्य मुनिं तत्र कृतासनपरिग्रहः । पश्रयावनतो राजा पप्रच्छ ऋषिसंसदि

namaskṛtya muniṁ tatra kṛtāsanaparigrahaḥ | paśrayāvanato rājā papraccha ṛṣisaṁsadi

There, having saluted the sage, and taken his seat, the king, bowing in humility, began to ask this in the assembly of sages.

Verse 8 (garuda.2.6.8)

राजोवाच । मुने मया कृतो धर्मो यथाशक्ति प्रयत्नतः । यमस्य शासनं श्रुत्वा बिभेमि नितरां हृदि

rājovāca | mune mayā kṛto dharmo yathāśakti prayatnataḥ | yamasya śāsanaṁ śrutvā bibhemi nitarāṁ hṛdi

The king said: O sage, I have practiced dharma with all my effort and to the best of my ability. Yet, hearing of Yama's rule, my heart remains deeply afraid.

Verse 9 (garuda.2.6.9)

यमञ्च यमदूतांश्च निरयान् घोरदर्शनान् । न पश्यामि महाभाग तथा वद दयानिधे

yamañca yamadūtāṁśca nirayān ghoradarśanān | na paśyāmi mahābhāga tathā vada dayānidhe

O most fortunate one, I have never seen Yama, his messengers, or the terrible hells; yet tell me of them, O ocean of compassion.

Verse 10 (garuda.2.6.10)

वसिष्ठ उवाच । धर्मा बहुविधा राजन् वर्ण्यन्ते शास्त्रकोविदैः । सूक्ष्मत्वान्न विजानन्ति कर्ममार्गविमोहिताः

vasiṣṭha uvāca | dharmā bahuvidhā rājan varṇyante śāstrakovidaiḥ | sūkṣmatvānna vijānanti karmamārgavimohitāḥ

Vasishtha said: O king, the learned in the shastras describe dharma in many forms; owing to their subtlety, those bewildered by the path of ritual action fail to grasp them.

Verse 11 (garuda.2.6.11)

दानं तीर्थं तपो यज्ञाः संन्यासः पैतृको महः । धर्मेषु गृह्यमाणेषु वृषोत्सर्गो विशेषितः

dānaṁ tīrthaṁ tapo yajñāḥ saṁnyāsaḥ paitṛko mahaḥ | dharmeṣu gṛhyamāṇeṣu vṛṣotsargo viśeṣitaḥ

Charity, pilgrimage, austerity, sacrifice, renunciation, and the great rite for the ancestors — among all these forms of dharma, vrishotsarga is held to be especially distinguished.

Verse 12 (garuda.2.6.12)

एष्टव्या बहवः पुत्रा यद्येकोऽपि गयां व्रजेत् । यजेत वाश्वमेधेन नीलं वा वृषमुत्सृजेत्

eṣṭavyā bahavaḥ putrā yadyeko'pi gayāṁ vrajet | yajeta vāśvamedhena nīlaṁ vā vṛṣamutsṛjet

Many sons should be desired, that even one of them might go to Gaya, or perform the Ashvamedha sacrifice, or release a black-shaded bull.

Verse 13 (garuda.2.6.13)

ब्रह्महत्यादिपापानि ज्ञानाज्ञानकृतानि च । नीलोद्वाहेन शुध्येत्तु समुद्रप्लवनेन वा

brahmahatyādipāpāni jñānājñānakṛtāni ca | nīlodvāhena śudhyettu samudraplavanena vā

Sins such as brahmin-killing, whether committed knowingly or unknowingly, are purified by the release of the black bull, or by bathing in the ocean.

Verse 14 (garuda.2.6.14)

एकादशाहे राजेन्द्र यस्य नोत्सूज्यते वृषः । प्रेतत्वं निश्चलं तस्य कृतैः श्राद्धैस्तु किं भवेत्

ekādaśāhe rājendra yasya notsūjyate vṛṣaḥ | pretatvaṁ niścalaṁ tasya kṛtaiḥ śrāddhaistu kiṁ bhavet

O king of kings, he for whom no bull is released on the eleventh day remains fixed in the state of a preta — what use, then, are the shraddhas performed?

Verse 15 (garuda.2.6.15)

यथाकथञ्चित्कर्तव्यस्तीर्थे वा पत्तनेऽथ वा । वृषयज्ञैः प्रमुच्यते नान्यथा साधनैः खग

yathākathañcitkartavyastīrthe vā pattane'tha vā | vṛṣayajñaiḥ pramucyate nānyathā sādhanaiḥ khaga

It must be performed by whatever means, whether at a place of pilgrimage or in a city. O bird, only by the bull-sacrifice comes release — by no other means.

Verse 16 (garuda.2.6.16)

वृषभं पञ्चकल्याणं युवानं कृष्णकंबलम् । गोयूथमध्ये नितरां विचरन्तं विधानतः

vṛṣabhaṁ pañcakalyāṇaṁ yuvānaṁ kṛṣṇakaṁbalam | goyūthamadhye nitarāṁ vicarantaṁ vidhānataḥ

A young bull marked with the five auspicious signs, dark as a black blanket, roaming freely amid the herd of cows — such should be chosen, according to rule.

Verse 17 (garuda.2.6.17)

चतसृभिर्वत्सकाभिर्द्वाभ्याञ्चैवैकया खग । विवाह्य मङ्गलद्रव्यैर्मन्त्रवत्तं समुत्सृजेत्

catasṛbhirvatsakābhirdvābhyāñcaivaikayā khaga | vivāhya maṁgaladravyairmantravattaṁ samutsṛjet

O bird, with four heifers, or two, or even one, together with auspicious articles, its 'marriage' should be performed, and it should be released with the appropriate mantras.

Verse 18 (garuda.2.6.18)

इह रतीति षडृग्भिर्हेमं कुर्याद्विभावसोः । कार्तिक्यां माघवैशाख्यां संक्रमे पातपर्वसु

iha ratīti ṣaḍṛgbhirhemaṁ kuryādvibhāvasoḥ | kārtikyāṁ māghavaiśākhyāṁ saṁkrame pātaparvasu

With six verses beginning 'here is delight', gold should be offered to Agni. In Kartika, Magha, or Vaishakha, at the solstice, at eclipse festivals,

Verse 19 (garuda.2.6.19)

तीर्थे पित्र्येक्षयाहे च विशेषेण प्रशस्यते । लोहितो यस्तु वर्णेन मुखे पुच्छे च पाण्डुरः

tīrthe pitryekṣayāhe ca viśeṣeṇa praśasyate | lohito yastu varṇena mukhe pucche ca pāṇḍuraḥ

at a place of pilgrimage, on the ancestral shraddha-day, or on a lost lunar day — this rite is especially praised. That bull which is red in color, white at mouth and tail,

Verse 20 (garuda.2.6.20)

पीतः खुरविषाणेषु स नीलो वृष उच्यते । श्वेतवर्णो भवेद्विप्रो लोहितः क्षत्त्र उच्यते

pītaḥ khuraviṣāṇeṣu sa nīlo vṛṣa ucyate | śvetavarṇo bhavedvipro lohitaḥ kṣattra ucyate

and yellow at hoof and horn — such is called the nila-vrisha. A white-colored bull is for the brahmin, a red one is said to be for the kshatriya,

Verse 21 (garuda.2.6.21)

पीतवर्णो भवेद्वैश्यः शूद्रः कृष्णः स्मृतो बुधैः । यथावर्णं समुद्दिष्टो वर्णेषु ब्राह्मणादिषु

pītavarṇo bhavedvaiśyaḥ śūdraḥ kṛṣṇaḥ smṛto budhaiḥ | yathāvarṇaṁ samuddiṣṭo varṇeṣu brāhmaṇādiṣu

a yellow one is for the vaishya, and a black one, the wise declare, is for the shudra — thus is it prescribed for each varna, brahmin and the rest, according to its color.

Verse 22 (garuda.2.6.22)

अथ वा रक्तवर्णस्तु सर्वेषामेव शस्यते । पिता पितामहश्चैव तथैव प्रपितामहः

atha vā raktavarṇastu sarveṣāmeva śasyate | pitā pitāmahaścaiva tathaiva prapitāmahaḥ

Or else, a red-colored bull is praised as suitable for all. The father, the grandfather, and likewise the great-grandfather,

Verse 23 (garuda.2.6.23)

आशासते सुतं जातं वृषोत्सर्गं करिष्यति । धर्मस्त्वं वृषरूपेण जगदानन्ददायकः

āśāsate sutaṁ jātaṁ vṛṣotsargaṁ kariṣyati | dharmastvaṁ vṛṣarūpeṇa jagadānandadāyakaḥ

hope that the son born to them will perform the vrishotsarga. 'O Dharma, you who in the form of a bull bring joy to the world —

Verse 24 (garuda.2.6.24)

अष्टमूर्तेरधिष्ठानमतः शान्तिं प्रयच्छ मे । गङ्गायमुनयोः पेयमन्तर्वेदि तृणं चर

aṣṭamūrteradhiṣṭhānamataḥ śāntiṁ prayaccha me | gaṁgāyamunayoḥ peyamantarvedi tṛṇaṁ cara

you are the very seat of the eight-formed one; therefore grant me peace. Drink the waters of the Ganga and Yamuna, graze upon the grass within the sacred enclosure,

Verse 25 (garuda.2.6.25)

धर्मराजस्य पुरतो वाच्यं मे सुकृतं वृष । दक्षिणांसे त्रिशूलाङ्कं वामोरौ चक्रचिह्नितम्

dharmarājasya purato vācyaṁ me sukṛtaṁ vṛṣa | dakṣiṇāṁse triśūlāṁkaṁ vāmorau cakracihnitam

and proclaim my good deeds before Dharmaraja, O bull!' — marking the right shoulder with the sign of the trident, and the left thigh with the sign of the discus,

Verse 26 (garuda.2.6.26)

इति संप्रार्थ्य वृषभं गन्धपुष्पाक्षतादिभिः । वृषं तत्सतरीयुक्तं पूजयित्वा समुत्सृजेत्

iti saṁprārthya vṛṣabhaṁ gandhapuṣpākṣatādibhiḥ | vṛṣaṁ tatsatarīyuktaṁ pūjayitvā samutsṛjet

and having thus prayed, and worshipped that bull, together with the heifer, with fragrant paste, flowers, and unbroken rice, it should be released.

Verse 27 (garuda.2.6.27)

तस्माद्राजन् विधानेन वृषोत्सर्गं समाचर । बहुसाधनयुक्तस्य नान्यथा सद्गतिस्तव

tasmādrājan vidhānena vṛṣotsargaṁ samācara | bahusādhanayuktasya nānyathā sadgatistava

Therefore, O king, perform the vrishotsarga according to rule; otherwise, however abundant your other means, you shall not attain a good end.

Verse 28 (garuda.2.6.28)

आसीत्त्रेतायुगे पूर्वं विदेहनगरे नृप । ब्राह्मणो धर्मवत्सेति स्वकर्मनिरतः सुधीः

āsīttretāyuge pūrvaṁ videhanagare nṛpa | brāhmaṇo dharmavatseti svakarmanirataḥ sudhīḥ

O king, of old, in the Treta Yuga, in the city of Videha, there lived a brahmin named Dharmavatsa, wise and ever devoted to his own duty.

Verse 29 (garuda.2.6.29)

विष्णुभक्तोऽतितेजस्वी यथालाभेन तुष्टिकृत् । पितृपर्वणि संप्राप्ते कुशार्यो काननं ययौ

viṣṇubhakto'titejasvī yathālābhena tuṣṭikṛt | pitṛparvaṇi saṁprāpte kuśāryo kānanaṁ yayau

He was a devotee of Vishnu, of great splendor, content with whatever came his way. When the time for the ancestral rite arrived, he went to the forest to gather kusha grass.

Verse 30 (garuda.2.6.30)

अटन्नितस्ततस्तत्र चिन्वन् कुशपलाशकम् । सहसोपेत्य पुरुषाश्चात्वारश्चारुदर्शनाः

aṭannitastatastatra cinvan kuśapalāśakam | sahasopetya puruṣāścātvāraścārudarśanāḥ

As he wandered there, gathering kusha grass and palasha leaves, four exceedingly beautiful men suddenly approached him,

Verse 31 (garuda.2.6.31)

विभ्रान्तमनसं गृह्य प्रत्यग्जग्मुर्विहायसा । बहुवृक्षसमाकीर्णं गिरिदुर्गभयानकम्

vibhrāntamanasaṁ gṛhya pratyagjagmurvihāyasā | bahuvṛkṣasamākīrṇaṁ giridurgabhayānakam

and, taking hold of him — his mind bewildered — carried him westward through the sky, over places thick with trees, past terrifying, impassable mountain fastnesses.

Verse 32 (garuda.2.6.32)

वनाद्वनान्तरं निन्युर्नदीनदसमाकुलम् । स तत्र नगरं राजन् ददर्श बहुविस्तरम्

vanādvanāntaraṁ ninyurnadīnadasamākulam | sa tatra nagaraṁ rājan dadarśa bahuvistaram

They bore him from forest to forest, through regions thronged with rivers and streams. There, O king, he beheld a city of vast extent,

Verse 33 (garuda.2.6.33)

गोपुरद्वाररचितं सौधप्रासादमण्डितम् । चत्वरापणपण्यादिनरनारीसमाकुलम्

gopuradvāraracitaṁ saudhaprāsādamaṇḍitam | catvarāpaṇapaṇyādinaranārīsamākulam

built with great gateway-towers, adorned with mansions and palaces, thronged with crossroads, marketplaces, and men and women,

Verse 34 (garuda.2.6.34)

तूर्यद्वन्द्वाभिनिर्घोषवीणापटहनादितम् । कांश्चित्क्षुधार्दितान्दीनान्मलिनान्विगतौजसः

tūryadvandvābhinirghoṣavīṇāpaṭahanāditam | kāṁścitkṣudhārditāndīnānmalinānvigataujasaḥ

resounding with pairs of instruments, the sound of vina and drums. There he saw some people afflicted by hunger, wretched, unclean, and lusterless,

Verse 35 (garuda.2.6.35)

ततोऽतितुष्टान्मलिनान्वस्त्रखण्डसमावृतान् । अग्रतो हृष्टपुष्टांश्च स्वर्णवस्त्रोपशोभितान्

tato'tituṣṭānmalinānvastrakhaṇḍasamāvṛtān | agrato hṛṣṭapuṣṭāṁśca svarṇavastropaśobhitān

and then others yet more content, though unkempt and covered only in scraps of cloth, and beyond them still others, robust and radiant, adorned in garments of gold,

Verse 36 (garuda.2.6.36)

ततोऽपि सुरसंकाशान्स दृष्ट्वा विस्मितोऽभवत् । किं स्वप्न उत माया वै मदीयो मानसो भ्रमः

tato'pi surasaṁkāśānsa dṛṣṭvā vismito'bhavat | kiṁ svapna uta māyā vai madīyo mānaso bhramaḥ

and beyond even those, others radiant as the gods themselves — and seeing this, he was astonished, thinking: 'Is this a dream, or an illusion, or merely the confusion of my own mind?'

Verse 37 (garuda.2.6.37)

सन्दिहानं द्विजं निन्युः पुरुषा राजसन्निधिम् । सतद्ददर्श विप्रस्तु स्वर्णप्रासादमन्दिरे

sandihānaṁ dvijaṁ ninyuḥ puruṣā rājasannidhim | sataddadarśa viprastu svarṇaprāsādamandire

Those men brought the doubt-filled brahmin into the presence of a king. There the brahmin beheld, within a palace of gold —

Verse 38 (garuda.2.6.38)

सिंहासनंमहादिव्यं छत्रचामरवीजितम् । तत्रोप विष्टं राजानं किरीटकनकोज्ज्वलम्

siṁhāsanaṁmahādivyaṁ chatracāmaravījitam | tatropa viṣṭaṁ rājānaṁ kirīṭakanakojjvalam

a most divine throne, furnished with a royal parasol and fly-whisks, and upon it a king seated, radiant with a crown of gold,

Verse 39 (garuda.2.6.39)

महत्या च श्रिया युक्तं स्तूयमानं सुवन्दिभिः । राजापि दृष्ट्वा तं विप्रं प्रत्युत्थाय कृताञ्जलिः

mahatyā ca śriyā yuktaṁ stūyamānaṁ suvandibhiḥ | rājāpi dṛṣṭvā taṁ vipraṁ pratyutthāya kṛtāñjaliḥ

endowed with great splendor, praised by excellent bards. That king too, seeing the brahmin, rose, joined his hands,

Verse 40 (garuda.2.6.40)

पूजयामास विधिवन्मधुपर्कास नादिभिः । सन्तुष्टमनसं देवमस्तौषीत्परया मुदा

pūjayāmāsa vidhivanmadhuparkāsa nādibhiḥ | santuṣṭamanasaṁ devamastauṣītparayā mudā

and duly worshipped him with madhuparka and the like. With a heart full of contentment, he began, with the greatest joy, to praise that godlike man —

Verse 41 (garuda.2.6.41)

अद्य मे सफलं जन्म पावितञ्च कुलं प्रभो । विष्णुभक्तस्य धर्मस्य यत्ते दृग्गोचरं गतः

adya me saphalaṁ janma pāvitañca kulaṁ prabho | viṣṇubhaktasya dharmasya yatte dṛggocaraṁ gataḥ

'O Lord, today my birth has borne fruit, my lineage has been sanctified, for I have obtained the sight of this devotee of Vishnu and of dharma.'

Verse 42 (garuda.2.6.42)

नत्वा स्तुत्वा बहुविधमुवाचानुवसन्नृपः । यतः समागतो देवः पुनस्तत्रैव नीयताम्

natvā stutvā bahuvidhamuvācānuvasannṛpaḥ | yataḥ samāgato devaḥ punastatraiva nīyatām

Having thus bowed and offered manifold praise, the king spoke with entreaty: 'From wherever this holy one has come, let him be taken back there again.'

Verse 43 (garuda.2.6.43)

इति श्रुत्वा वचो राज्ञः पप्रच्छ द्विजपुङ्गवः । ब्राह्मण उवाच । कोऽयं देश कुतो लोका उत्तमा मध्यमाधमाः

iti śrutvā vaco rājñaḥ papraccha dvijapuṁgavaḥ | brāhmaṇa uvāca | ko'yaṁ deśa kuto lokā uttamā madhyamādhamāḥ

Hearing the king's words, that foremost brahmin asked: The brahmin said: 'What land is this? Whence come these people — the highest, the middling, the lowest?

Verse 44 (garuda.2.6.44)

केन पुण्येन तु भवान्पारमेष्ट्यविभूषितः । किमर्थमहमानीतः पुनस्तत्रैव नीयते

kena puṇyena tu bhavānpārameṣṭyavibhūṣitaḥ | kimarthamahamānītaḥ punastatraiva nīyate

By what merit are you adorned with such supreme rank? For what purpose have I been brought here, and why am I now to be taken back again?

Verse 45 (garuda.2.6.45)

अपूर्वमिव पश्यामि सर्वं स्वप्नगतो यथा । राजोवाच । स्वधर्मनिरतो यस्तु हरिभक्तिरतः सदा

apūrvamiva paśyāmi sarvaṁ svapnagato yathā | rājovāca | svadharmanirato yastu haribhaktirataḥ sadā

I behold all this as something unprecedented, as though I were dreaming.' The king said: 'He who is ever devoted to his own dharma, always intent on devotion to Hari,

Verse 46 (garuda.2.6.46)

विरक्त इन्द्रियार्थेभ्यः स मे पूज्यो न संशयः । तीर्थयात्रापरो नित्यं वृषोत्सर्गविशेषवित्

virakta indriyārthebhyaḥ sa me pūjyo na saṁśayaḥ | tīrthayātrāparo nityaṁ vṛṣotsargaviśeṣavit

and detached from the objects of the senses — he is worthy of my worship, without doubt. He who is ever devoted to pilgrimage, who knows the particular procedure of vrishotsarga,

Verse 47 (garuda.2.6.47)

सत्यदानपरो यस्तु स नमस्यो दिवौकसाम् । दर्शनार्थमिहानीतः पूजार्हश्च परन्तप

satyadānaparo yastu sa namasyo divaukasām | darśanārthamihānītaḥ pūjārhaśca parantapa

and devoted to truth and charity — he is worthy even of the gods' salutation. O scorcher of foes, you have been brought here for a vision, for you are worthy of worship.

Verse 48 (garuda.2.6.48)

अनुगृहाण मां देव क्षमस्व मम साहसम् । इत्युक्त्वा दर्शयामास मन्त्रिणां संज्ञया भ्रुवः

anugṛhāṇa māṁ deva kṣamasva mama sāhasam | ityuktvā darśayāmāsa mantriṇāṁ saṁjñayā bhruvaḥ

O god, be gracious to me, and forgive this presumption of mine.' Having said this, he signaled to his ministers with a gesture of his brow,

Verse 49 (garuda.2.6.49)

वदिष्यति समग्रं ते स्वयं वक्तुं न साम्प्रतम् । सामन्तः सर्ववेदज्ञो ज्ञात्वा हार्दं नृपस्य च

vadiṣyati samagraṁ te svayaṁ vaktuṁ na sāmpratam | sāmantaḥ sarvavedajño jñātvā hārdaṁ nṛpasya ca

'let him tell you everything himself; it is not fitting for me to say it now.' A minister, learned in all the Vedas, understanding the king's heart,

Verse 50 (garuda.2.6.50)

विपश्चिदुवाच । पूर्वजन्मनि वैश्योऽयं विश्वम्भर इति श्रुतः । विराधनगरे विप्र द्विजदेवविभूषिते

vipaściduvāca | pūrvajanmani vaiśyo'yaṁ viśvambhara iti śrutaḥ | virādhanagare vipra dvijadevavibhūṣite

Vipashchit said: 'In his former birth, he was a vaishya named Vishvambhara, O brahmin, dwelling in Viradha-nagara, adorned with brahmins and gods,

Verse 51 (garuda.2.6.51)

वैश्यवृत्त्या सदा जीवन्कुटुम्बपरिपालकः । गवां शुश्रूषको नित्यं ब्राह्मणानाञ्च पूजकः

vaiśyavṛttyā sadā jīvankuṭumbaparipālakaḥ | gavāṁ śuśrūṣako nityaṁ brāhmaṇānāñca pūjakaḥ

and, living by the vaishya's calling, always sustained his household. He was ever the servant of cattle, and a worshipper of brahmins.

Verse 52 (garuda.2.6.52)

पात्रदानपरो नित्यमातिथेयाग्निसेवकः । गार्हस्थ्यं विधिवच्चक्रे भार्यया सत्यमेधया

pātradānaparo nityamātitheyāgnisevakaḥ | gārhasthyaṁ vidhivaccakre bhāryayā satyamedhayā

He was ever devoted to giving gifts to the worthy, attending to guests and to the sacred fire. Together with his truthful wife, he duly upheld the householder's dharma.

Verse 53 (garuda.2.6.53)

स्मार्तेन लोकानजयच्छ्रौतेन त हविर्भुजः । कदाचिद्बन्धुभिः साकं कृत्वा तीर्थानि भूरिशः

smārtena lokānajayacchrautena ta havirbhujaḥ | kadācidbandhubhiḥ sākaṁ kṛtvā tīrthāni bhūriśaḥ

By the smarta rites he won the worlds, and by the shrauta rites he pleased the gods who feed on oblations. Once, having visited many places of pilgrimage together with his kinsmen,

Verse 54 (garuda.2.6.54)

यावदायाति सदनं दृष्टवांल्लोमशं पथि । दण्डवत्प्रणिपत्याशु कृताञ्जलिपुटं स्थितम्

yāvadāyāti sadanaṁ dṛṣṭavāṁllomaśaṁ pathi | daṇḍavatpraṇipatyāśu kṛtāñjalipuṭaṁ sthitam

as he was returning home, he saw upon the road the sage Lomasha; at once, prostrating himself full-length, standing there with joined hands,

Verse 55 (garuda.2.6.55)

पप्रच्छ विनयोपेतं करुणावारिवारिधिः । ऋषिरुवाच । कुत आगम्यते साधो ब्राह्मणैर्बन्धुभिर्युतः

papraccha vinayopetaṁ karuṇāvārivāridhiḥ | ṛṣiruvāca | kuta āgamyate sādho brāhmaṇairbandhubhiryutaḥ

that ocean of compassion asked him with courtesy — The sage said: 'O virtuous one, whence do you come, together with these brahmins and kinsmen?

Verse 56 (garuda.2.6.56)

दृष्ट्वा त्वां धर्मनिलयं प्रक्लिन्नं मानसं मम । विश्वम्भर उवाच । शीर्यमाणं शरीरं हि ज्ञात्वा मृत्युं पुरः स्थितम्

dṛṣṭvā tvāṁ dharmanilayaṁ praklinnaṁ mānasaṁ mama | viśvambhara uvāca | śīryamāṇaṁ śarīraṁ hi jñātvā mṛtyuṁ puraḥ sthitam

Seeing you, this abode of dharma, my heart has been moved.' Vishvambhara said: 'Seeing my body wasting away, and knowing death to stand before me,

Verse 57 (garuda.2.6.57)

भार्यया धर्मचारिण्या तीर्थयात्रां विनिर्गतः । कृत्वा तीर्थानि विधिवद्विश्राण्य विपुलं वसु

bhāryayā dharmacāriṇyā tīrthayātrāṁ vinirgataḥ | kṛtvā tīrthāni vidhivadviśrāṇya vipulaṁ vasu

I set out on pilgrimage together with my righteous wife. Having duly visited the places of pilgrimage, and distributed abundant wealth in gift,

Verse 58 (garuda.2.6.58)

यावद्व्रजाम्यहं वेश्म भवान् दृष्टिपथं गतः । लोमश उवाच । तीर्थानि सन्ति भूरीणि वर्षैऽस्मिन् भारते शुभे

yāvadvrajāmyahaṁ veśma bhavān dṛṣṭipathaṁ gataḥ | lomaśa uvāca | tīrthāni santi bhūrīṇi varṣai'smin bhārate śubhe

as I was returning home, you came into my sight.' Lomasha said: 'In this auspicious land of Bharata there are many places of pilgrimage —

Verse 59 (garuda.2.6.59)

यत्त्वया ह्युपचीर्णानि तानि सर्वाणि मे वद । वैश्य उवाच । गङ्गा च सूर्य तनया महापुण्या सरस्वती

yattvayā hyupacīrṇāni tāni sarvāṇi me vada | vaiśya uvāca | gaṁgā ca sūrya tanayā mahāpuṇyā sarasvatī

tell me all those which you have visited.' The vaishya said: 'The Ganga, and the most sacred Sarasvati, daughter of the Sun,

Verse 60 (garuda.2.6.60)

दशाश्वमेधैरयजद्यत्र ब्रह्मा सुरेश्वरः । तीर्थराजस्ततः काशी महादेवो दयानिधिः

daśāśvamedhairayajadyatra brahmā sureśvaraḥ | tīrtharājastataḥ kāśī mahādevo dayānidhiḥ

the place where Brahma, lord of the gods, performed ten Ashvamedha sacrifices — that king of tirthas [Prayaga]; then Kashi, where Mahadeva, ocean of mercy,

Verse 61 (garuda.2.6.61)

मृतानां यत्र जन्तूनां कर्णे जपति तारकम् । पुलहस्याश्रमं पुण्यं फल्गुतीर्थञ्च गण्डकी

mṛtānāṁ yatra jantūnāṁ karṇe japati tārakam | pulahasyāśramaṁ puṇyaṁ phalgutīrthañca gaṇḍakī

whispers the tāraka-mantra in the ear of dying creatures; the sacred hermitage of sage Pulaha, Phalgu-tirtha, and the Gandaki,

Verse 62 (garuda.2.6.62)

चक्रतीर्थं नैमिषञ्च शिवतीर्थमनन्तकम् । गोप्रतारकनागेशमयोध्याबिन्दुसंज्ञितम्

cakratīrthaṁ naimiṣañca śivatīrthamanantakam | gopratārakanāgeśamayodhyābindusaṁjñitam

Chakratirtha, Naimisha, the eternal Shiva-tirtha, Gopratāraka, Nāgesha, and Ayodhya, also known as Bindu,

Verse 63 (garuda.2.6.63)

यत्रास्त मुक्तिदः साक्षाद्रामो राजीवलोचनः । आग्नेयं वायुकौबेरं कौमारं भूरुहां पुनः

yatrāsta muktidaḥ sākṣādrāmo rājīvalocanaḥ | āgneyaṁ vāyukauberaṁ kaumāraṁ bhūruhāṁ punaḥ

where dwells Rama himself, lotus-eyed giver of liberation; the tirthas of Agni, Vayu, Kubera, and Kumara, and again amid abundant trees,

Verse 64 (garuda.2.6.64)

सौकरं मथुरा यत्र नित्यं सन्निहतो हरिः । पुष्करं सत्यतीर्थञ्च ज्वालतीर्थं दिनेश्वरम्

saukaraṁ mathurā yatra nityaṁ sannihato hariḥ | puṣkaraṁ satyatīrthañca jvālatīrthaṁ dineśvaram

the Saukara-tirtha; Mathura, where Hari ever abides; Pushkara, Satya-tirtha, Jvala-tirtha, Dineshvara,

Verse 65 (garuda.2.6.65)

इन्द्रतीर्थं कुरुक्षेत्रं यत्र प्राची सरस्वती । तापी पयोष्णी निर्विन्ध्या मलयः कृष्णवेणिका

indratīrthaṁ kurukṣetraṁ yatra prācī sarasvatī | tāpī payoṣṇī nirvindhyā malayaḥ kṛṣṇaveṇikā

Indra-tirtha, Kurukshetra where the Prachi Sarasvati flows; the Tapi, Payoshni, Nirvindhya, the Malaya hills, the Krishnaveni,

Verse 66 (garuda.2.6.66)

गोदावरी दण्डकञ्च ताम्रचूडं सदोदकम् । द्यावाभूमीश्वरं दृष्ट्वा श्रीशैलः पर्वतेश्वरः

godāvarī daṇḍakañca tāmracūḍaṁ sadodakam | dyāvābhūmīśvaraṁ dṛṣṭvā śrīśailaḥ parvateśvaraḥ

the Godavari, the Dandaka forest, the ever-watered Tamrachuda; having seen Dyavabhumishvara, then Shrishaila, lord among mountains,

Verse 67 (garuda.2.6.67)

असंख्यलिङ्गतीर्थानि यत्र सन्ति सदा मुने । वेङ्कटाद्रौ महातेजाः श्रीरङ्गाख्यः स्वयं हरिः

asaṁkhyaliṁgatīrthāni yatra santi sadā mune | veṁkaṭādrau mahātejāḥ śrīraṁgākhyaḥ svayaṁ hariḥ

where, O sage, countless linga-shrines ever stand. Upon the Venkata hill dwells Hari himself, most radiant, under the name Shriranga,

Verse 68 (garuda.2.6.68)

वेङ्कटी नाम तत्रैव देवी महिषमर्दिनी । चन्द्रतीर्थं भद्रवटः कावेरीकुटिलाचलौ

veṁkaṭī nāma tatraiva devī mahiṣamardinī | candratīrthaṁ bhadravaṭaḥ kāverīkuṭilācalau

and there too the goddess named Venkati, slayer of the buffalo-demon; Chandra-tirtha, Bhadravata, the Kaveri, the Kutila hill,

Verse 69 (garuda.2.6.69)

अवटोदा ताम्रपर्णो त्रिकृटः कोल्लको गिरिः । वासिष्ठं ब्रह्मतीर्थञ्च ज्ञानतीर्थं महोदधिः

avaṭodā tāmraparṇo trikṛṭaḥ kollako giriḥ | vāsiṣṭhaṁ brahmatīrthañca jñānatīrthaṁ mahodadhiḥ

the Avatoda, the Tamraparni, Trikuta hill, Kollaka hill; Vasishtha-tirtha, Brahma-tirtha, Jnana-tirtha, the great ocean,

Verse 70 (garuda.2.6.70)

हृषीकेशं विराजञ्च विशालं नीलपर्वतः । भीमकूटः श्वेतगिरी रुद्रतीर्थमुमावनम्

hṛṣīkeśaṁ virājañca viśālaṁ nīlaparvataḥ | bhīmakūṭaḥ śvetagirī rudratīrthamumāvanam

Hrishikesha, Viraja, Vishala, the Nila hill, Bhimakuta, Shvetagiri, Rudra-tirtha, Umavana —

Verse 71 (garuda.2.6.71)

अवाप गिरिजा देवी तपसा यत्र शङ्करम् । वारुणं सूर्यतीर्थञ्च हंसतीर्थं महोदयम्

avāpa girijā devī tapasā yatra śaṁkaram | vāruṇaṁ sūryatīrthañca haṁsatīrthaṁ mahodayam

where the goddess Girija, by austerity, obtained Shankara as her husband; Varuna-tirtha, Surya-tirtha, Hansa-tirtha, Mahodaya,

Verse 72 (garuda.2.6.72)

निमज्ज्य यत्र काकोला राजहंसत्वमाययुः । असुरो यत्र देवत्वमवाप स्नानमात्रतः

nimajjya yatra kākolā rājahaṁsatvamāyayuḥ | asuro yatra devatvamavāpa snānamātrataḥ

where, by mere bathing, crows attained the state of royal swans, and an asura too, by bathing alone, attained godhood;

Verse 73 (garuda.2.6.73)

विश्वरूपं वन्दितीर्थं रत्नेशः कुहकाचलः । नरनारायणं दृष्ट्वा मुच्यते पापकोटिभिः

viśvarūpaṁ vanditīrthaṁ ratneśaḥ kuhakācalaḥ | naranārāyaṇaṁ dṛṣṭvā mucyate pāpakoṭibhiḥ

Vishvarupa, Vanda-tirtha, Ratnesha, Kuhaka hill; by the sight of Nara-Narayana, one is freed from millions of sins;

Verse 74 (garuda.2.6.74)

सरस्वतीदृषद्वत्यौ नर्मदा शर्मदा नृणाम् । नीलकण्ठं महाकालं पुण्यं चामरकण्टकम्

sarasvatīdṛṣadvatyau narmadā śarmadā nṛṇām | nīlakaṇṭhaṁ mahākālaṁ puṇyaṁ cāmarakaṇṭakam

the Sarasvati, the Drishadvati, the Narmada — bestower of welfare upon men; Nilakantha, Mahakala, sacred Amarakantaka,

Verse 75 (garuda.2.6.75)

चन्द्रभागा वेत्रवती वीरभद्रं गणेश्वरम् । गोकर्णं बिल्वतीर्थञ्च कर्मकुण्डं सतारकम्

candrabhāgā vetravatī vīrabhadraṁ gaṇeśvaram | gokarṇaṁ bilvatīrthañca karmakuṇḍaṁ satārakam

the Chandrabhaga, the Vetravati, Virabhadra, Ganeshvara; Gokarna, Bilva-tirtha, and Karmakunda together with Taraka —

Verse 76 (garuda.2.6.76)

स्नानमात्रेण यत्राशु मुच्यते कर्मबन्धनात् । अन्यान्यपि च तीर्थानि कृतानि कृपया तव

snānamātreṇa yatrāśu mucyate karmabandhanāt | anyānyapi ca tīrthāni kṛtāni kṛpayā tava

where by bathing alone a man is swiftly freed from the bondage of karma. Many other such tirthas besides I have completed, by your very grace.

Verse 77 (garuda.2.6.77)

उत्पद्यते शुभा बुद्धिः साधूनां यदनुग्रहः । एकतः सर्वतीर्थानि करुणाः साधवोऽन्यतः

utpadyate śubhā buddhiḥ sādhūnāṁ yadanugrahaḥ | ekataḥ sarvatīrthāni karuṇāḥ sādhavo'nyataḥ

From the grace bestowed by the holy, auspicious wisdom arises; on the one hand stand all the places of pilgrimage, and on the other, the compassionate holy ones.

Verse 78 (garuda.2.6.78)

अनुग्रहाय भूतानां चरन्ति चरितव्रताः । त्वं गुरुः सर्वर्णानां विद्यया वयसाधिकः

anugrahāya bhūtānāṁ caranti caritavratāḥ | tvaṁ guruḥ sarvarṇānāṁ vidyayā vayasādhikaḥ

Keeping their vows, they wander about solely for the benefit of living beings. You are the teacher of all the varnas, superior in both learning and years.

Verse 79 (garuda.2.6.79)

अतः पृच्छाम्यहं किञ्चिदाधिभूतं चिरन्तनम् । किं कुर्यां कं नु पृच्छेऽहं मनो मेऽतिचलं मुने

ataḥ pṛcchāmyahaṁ kiñcidādhibhūtaṁ cirantanam | kiṁ kuryāṁ kaṁ nu pṛcche'haṁ mano me'ticalaṁ mune

Therefore I ask you something concerning a long-standing doubt — what should I do, O sage, whom else should I ask? My mind is exceedingly restless,

Verse 80 (garuda.2.6.80)

निःस्पृहं ब्रह्मविषये विषयेष्वतिलालसम् । मनागपि न सहते विरहं तिमिरं ब्रुवत्

niḥspṛhaṁ brahmaviṣaye viṣayeṣvatilālasam | manāgapi na sahate virahaṁ timiraṁ bruvat

indifferent to the matter of Brahman, yet intensely craving worldly objects. O dispeller of this darkness, it cannot bear separation from these even for a moment,

Verse 81 (garuda.2.6.81)

मोहितं विविधैर्भावैः कर्मणां क्षेत्रमुत्तमम् । शान्तिं यथा समायाति सम्पन्नमिव भूसुर

mohitaṁ vividhairbhāvaiḥ karmaṇāṁ kṣetramuttamam | śāntiṁ yathā samāyāti sampannamiva bhūsura

and, bewildered by manifold states, O god upon earth, this excellent field [the human body] remains merely a field for deeds. Tell me, out of your grace, how it might attain peace,

Verse 82 (garuda.2.6.82)

विवेकप्रवणं शुद्धं यथा स्यात्कृपया वद । ऋषिरुवाच । मनस्तु प्रबलं नित्यं सविकारं स्वभावतः

vivekapravaṇaṁ śuddhaṁ yathā syātkṛpayā vada | ṛṣiruvāca | manastu prabalaṁ nityaṁ savikāraṁ svabhāvataḥ

how it might turn toward discernment and become pure.' The sage said: 'The mind by its very nature is always powerful and subject to change;

Verse 83 (garuda.2.6.83)

वशं नयन्ति करिणं प्रमत्तमपि हस्तिपाः । तथापि साधुसङ्गत्या साधनैरप्यतन्द्रितः

vaśaṁ nayanti kariṇaṁ pramattamapi hastipāḥ | tathāpi sādhusaṁgatyā sādhanairapyatandritaḥ

just as mahouts bring even a maddened elephant under control, so too, through the company of the holy, and through diligent practice,

Verse 84 (garuda.2.6.84)

तीव्रेण भक्तियोगेन विचारेण वशं नयेत् । इतिहासं प्रवक्ष्यामि तव प्रत्ययकारकम्

tīvreṇa bhaktiyogena vicāreṇa vaśaṁ nayet | itihāsaṁ pravakṣyāmi tava pratyayakārakam

and through intense devotion and discernment, it should be brought under control. I shall tell you a history that will convince you of this,

Verse 85 (garuda.2.6.85)

नारदोऽकथयन्मह्यं स्ववृत्तगतजन्मनः । नारद उवाच । कस्यचिद्द्विजमुख्यस्य दासीपुत्त्रः पुरा मुने

nārado'kathayanmahyaṁ svavṛttagatajanmanaḥ | nārada uvāca | kasyaciddvijamukhyasya dāsīputtraḥ purā mune

which Narada once told me, concerning his own former birth. Narada said: O sage, in ancient times, some foremost brahmin had a son born of a servant-maid —

Verse 86 (garuda.2.6.86)

शिक्षितो बालभावेऽपि पाठितो नितरामहम् । तत्रापि सङ्गतिर्जाता महतां पुण्यकर्मणाम्

śikṣito bālabhāve'pi pāṭhito nitarāmaham | tatrāpi saṁgatirjātā mahatāṁ puṇyakarmaṇām

even in childhood I was instructed and taught most diligently. There I obtained the company of great souls, of those devoted to meritorious deeds,

Verse 87 (garuda.2.6.87)

प्रावृट्काले मम गृहे स्थितानां भाग्ययोगतः । शुश्रूषणानुवृत्त्या च प्रश्रयेण दमेन च

prāvṛṭkāle mama gṛhe sthitānāṁ bhāgyayogataḥ | śuśrūṣaṇānuvṛttyā ca praśrayeṇa damena ca

who, by good fortune, were staying at my house during the rainy season. Through service to them, through following them, through humility and self-restraint,

Verse 88 (garuda.2.6.88)

सन्तोषं परमं प्राप्य कृपया त्विदमब्रुवन् । मनीषा निर्मला येन जाता मम शुभार्थिनी

santoṣaṁ paramaṁ prāpya kṛpayā tvidamabruvan | manīṣā nirmalā yena jātā mama śubhārthinī

and, having attained the greatest satisfaction, they graciously spoke thus: 'By which my mind, seeking what is good, became pure,

Verse 89 (garuda.2.6.89)

यया विष्णुमयं सर्वम्त्मन्येव ददृशिवान् । मुनय ऊचुः । शृणु वत्स प्रवक्ष्या मो हिताय तव बालक

yayā viṣṇumayaṁ sarvamtmanyeva dadṛśivān | munaya ūcuḥ | śṛṇu vatsa pravakṣyā mo hitāya tava bālaka

and by which I beheld everything as pervaded by Vishnu within myself.' The sages said: 'Hear, dear child; we speak for your welfare,

Verse 90 (garuda.2.6.90)

येन वै ध्रियमाणेन इहामुत्र सुखं भवेत् । देवतिर्यङ्मनुष्याश्च संसारे विविधा जनाः

yena vai dhriyamāṇena ihāmutra sukhaṁ bhavet | devatiryaṁmanuṣyāśca saṁsāre vividhā janāḥ

that thing which, if held fast, brings happiness both in this world and the next. Gods, animals, and men — the various beings in this world,

Verse 91 (garuda.2.6.91)

निबद्धाः कर्मपशैस्ते भुञ्जन् भोगान् पृथग्विधान् । देवत्वं याति सत्त्वेन रजसा च मनुष्यताम्

nibaddhāḥ karmapaśaiste bhuñjan bhogān pṛthagvidhān | devatvaṁ yāti sattvena rajasā ca manuṣyatām

bound by the fetters of their deeds, undergo various experiences. By sattva one attains godhood; by rajas, humanhood;

Verse 92 (garuda.2.6.92)

तिर्यक्त्वं तमसा जन्तुर्वासनानुगतोऽबुधः । मातुर्लब्ध्वा पुनर्जन्म म्रियते च पुनः पुनः

tiryaktvaṁ tamasā janturvāsanānugato'budhaḥ | māturlabdhvā punarjanma mriyate ca punaḥ punaḥ

and by tamas, this creature, driven by its own cravings and lacking wisdom, attains the animal state. Taking birth again and again in the mother's womb, it dies again and again.

Verse 93 (garuda.2.6.93)

एवं गत्वा ह्यसंख्याता योनीस्ताः कर्मभूरपि । मानुष्यं दुर्लभं लब्ध्वा कदाचिद्दैवयोगतः

evaṁ gatvā hyasaṁkhyātā yonīstāḥ karmabhūrapi | mānuṣyaṁ durlabhaṁ labdhvā kadāciddaivayogataḥ

Thus, passing through countless wombs, wandering ever within the field of its own deeds, and at last, by some rare stroke of fate, obtaining the rare gift of human birth,

Verse 94 (garuda.2.6.94)

अनुग्रहेण महतां हरिं ज्ञात्वा विमुच्यते । रोगग्राहं मोहजालमपारं भवसागरम्

anugraheṇa mahatāṁ hariṁ jñātvā vimucyate | rogagrāhaṁ mohajālamapāraṁ bhavasāgaram

through the grace of the great souls, coming to know Hari, it becomes freed — freed from the boundless ocean of worldly existence, thronged with the crocodile of disease, ensnared in the net of delusion.

Verse 95 (garuda.2.6.95)

न पश्यामि तितीर्षोरन्यद्रामस्मरणं विना । नवनीयं यथा दध्नो ज्योतिः काष्ठादपि क्वचित्

na paśyāmi titīrṣoranyadrāmasmaraṇaṁ vinā | navanīyaṁ yathā dadhno jyotiḥ kāṣṭhādapi kvacit

For one wishing to cross that ocean, I see no other means than the remembrance of Rama — as butter comes from curd, and fire, in some cases, from wood,

Verse 96 (garuda.2.6.96)

मन्थनैः साधनैरेवं परं ज्ञात्वा सुखी भवेत् । आत्मा नित्योऽव्ययः सत्यः सर्वगः सर्वभृन्महान्

manthanaiḥ sādhanairevaṁ paraṁ jñātvā sukhī bhavet | ātmā nityo'vyayaḥ satyaḥ sarvagaḥ sarvabhṛnmahān

so, through churning and diligent practice, one should come to know the Supreme and attain happiness. The Self is eternal, imperishable, true, all-pervading, the sustainer of all, and great;

Verse 97 (garuda.2.6.97)

अप्रमेयः स्वयञ्ज्योतिरग्राह्यो मनसापि यः । सच्चिदानन्दरूपोऽसौ सर्वप्राणिहृदि स्थितः

aprameyaḥ svayañjyotiragrāhyo manasāpi yaḥ | saccidānandarūpo'sau sarvaprāṇihṛdi sthitaḥ

immeasurable, self-luminous, ungraspable even by the mind; it is of the nature of being, consciousness, and bliss, and dwells in the heart of every living being.

Verse 98 (garuda.2.6.98)

विनश्यत्स्वपि भावेषु न विनश्यति कर्हिचित् । आकाशः सर्वभूतेषु स्थितस्तेजोजले तथा

vinaśyatsvapi bhāveṣu na vinaśyati karhicit | ākāśaḥ sarvabhūteṣu sthitastejojale tathā

Amid perishing states of being it itself never perishes. Just as space abides within every element, and within fire and water alike,

Verse 99 (garuda.2.6.99)

आत्मा सर्वत्र निर्लेपः पार्थिवेषु यथानिलः । भक्तानुकम्पी भगवान् साधूनां रक्षणाय च

ātmā sarvatra nirlepaḥ pārthiveṣu yathānilaḥ | bhaktānukampī bhagavān sādhūnāṁ rakṣaṇāya ca

and just as air, though present within earthly things, remains untouched by them, so too the Self remains everywhere unstained. The Lord, compassionate to his devotees, for the protection of the holy,

Verse 100 (garuda.2.6.100)

आविर्भवति लोकेषुगुणीवाज्ञैः प्रतीयते । एवंविवेकत्वया यो बुद्ध्या संशीलयेद्धृदि

āvirbhavati lokeṣuguṇīvājñaiḥ pratīyate | evaṁvivekatvayā yo buddhyā saṁśīlayeddhṛdi

manifests in the worlds, yet appears to the ignorant as though he were bound by qualities. Thus, whoever, with discerning intellect, meditates upon him in the heart,

Verse 101 (garuda.2.6.101)

भक्तियोगेन सन्तुष्ट आत्मानं दर्शयेदजः । ततः कृतार्थो भवति सदा सर्वत्र निः स्पृहः

bhaktiyogena santuṣṭa ātmānaṁ darśayedajaḥ | tataḥ kṛtārtho bhavati sadā sarvatra niḥ spṛhaḥ

and, satisfied by that devotion, the unborn Lord reveals himself to him. Then he becomes forever fulfilled, and remains free of desire everywhere.

Verse 102 (garuda.2.6.102)

अतोऽहङ्कारमुत्सृज्य सानुबन्धे कलेवरे । चरेदसंगो लोकेषु स्वप्नप्रायेषु निर्ममः

ato'haṁkāramutsṛjya sānubandhe kalevare | caredasaṁgo lokeṣu svapnaprāyeṣu nirmamaḥ

Therefore, abandoning ego, detached even from this body bound by its ties, one should move through these worlds, dream-like as they are, free of any sense of possession.

Verse 103 (garuda.2.6.103)

क्व स्वप्ने नियतं धैर्यमिन्द्रजाले क्व सत्यता । क्व नित्यता शरन्मेघे क्व वा सत्यं कलेवरे

kva svapne niyataṁ dhairyamindrajāle kva satyatā | kva nityatā śaranmeghe kva vā satyaṁ kalevare

Where is lasting steadiness to be found in a dream? Where is truth in a magician's illusion? Where is permanence in an autumn cloud, or truth in the body?

Verse 104 (garuda.2.6.104)

अविद्याकर्मजनितं दृश्यमानं चरा चरम् । ज्ञात्वाचारवशी योगी ततः सिद्धिमवाप्स्यसि

avidyākarmajanitaṁ dṛśyamānaṁ carā caram | jñātvācāravaśī yogī tataḥ siddhimavāpsyasi

Knowing this visible world of the moving and unmoving to be born of ignorance and deed, the discerning yogi, subject to self-restraint, shall thereafter attain perfection.'

Verse 105 (garuda.2.6.105)

इत्युक्त्वा ते गताः सर्वे साधवो दीनवत्सलाः । सोऽहं तदुक्तमार्गेण तथैवाचरमन्वहम्

ityuktvā te gatāḥ sarve sādhavo dīnavatsalāḥ | so'haṁ taduktamārgeṇa tathaivācaramanvaham

Having said this, all those saints, compassionate to the humble, departed. I too began to follow, day after day, the very path they had shown.

Verse 106 (garuda.2.6.106)

ततोऽचिरेणात्मनीदं दृष्टवानहमद्भुतम् । ज्योतिर्मयं सदानन्दं शरच्छीतांशुनिर्मलम्

tato'cireṇātmanīdaṁ dṛṣṭavānahamadbhutam | jyotirmayaṁ sadānandaṁ śaracchītāṁśunirmalam

Then soon, within myself, I beheld this wondrous [reality] — luminous, ever blissful, pure as the autumn moon,

Verse 107 (garuda.2.6.107)

निषिच्य सुखसन्दोहैर्मां कृत्वाधिकसस्पृहम् । अन्तर्हितं महतेजो यथा सौदामिनी दिवि

niṣicya sukhasandohairmāṁ kṛtvādhikasaspṛham | antarhitaṁ mahatejo yathā saudāminī divi

which, drenching me in floods of joy, filled me with the deepest longing, and then, like lightning vanishing in the sky, that great splendor withdrew from sight.

Verse 108 (garuda.2.6.108)

भक्त्या तदेव मनसि भावयन्नहमद्भुतम् । काले कलेवरं त्यक्त्वा गतवान् हरिमव्ययम्

bhaktyā tadeva manasi bhāvayannahamadbhutam | kāle kalevaraṁ tyaktvā gatavān harimavyayam

Meditating with devotion in my mind upon that very wonder, when the time came I abandoned the body and attained the imperishable Hari.

Verse 109 (garuda.2.6.109)

तस्येच्छया पुनर्ब्रह्मन् ब्रह्मणो मेऽभवज्जनिः । अनुग्रहाद्भगवतस्त्रिषु लोकेषु निः स्पृहः

tasyecchayā punarbrahman brahmaṇo me'bhavajjaniḥ | anugrahādbhagavatastriṣu lokeṣu niḥ spṛhaḥ

O brahmin, by his very will I was born again from Brahma. By the grace of the Lord, free of desire in all three worlds,

Verse 110 (garuda.2.6.110)

आपीडयन्मुहुर्वोणां गायमानश्चराम्यहम् । इत्युक्त्वा मे स्वानुभवं ययौ यादृच्छिको मुनिः

āpīḍayanmuhurvoṇāṁ gāyamānaścarāmyaham | ityuktvā me svānubhavaṁ yayau yādṛcchiko muniḥ

playing again and again upon the vina, singing, I wander about.' Having thus told me of his own experience, that sage, roaming wherever he willed, departed.

Verse 111 (garuda.2.6.111)

ममापि परमाश्चर्यं सन्तोषश्च महानभूत् । अतस्ते साधुसङ्गत्या भक्त्या च परमात्मनः

mamāpi paramāścaryaṁ santoṣaśca mahānabhūt | ataste sādhusaṁgatyā bhaktyā ca paramātmanaḥ

I too was filled with the greatest wonder and the greatest satisfaction. Therefore, O righteous king, you too, through the company of the holy and through devotion to the Supreme,

Verse 112 (garuda.2.6.112)

विशुद्धं निर्मलं शान्तं मनो निर्वृतिमेष्यति । अनेकजन्मजनितं पातकं साधुसंगमे

viśuddhaṁ nirmalaṁ śāntaṁ mano nirvṛtimeṣyati | anekajanmajanitaṁ pātakaṁ sādhusaṁgame

shall bring your pure, spotless, tranquil mind to rest in peace. Even sin accumulated over many births,

Verse 113 (garuda.2.6.113)

क्षिप्रं नश्यति धर्मज्ञ जलानां शरदो यथा । वैश्य उवाच । पीत्वा ते वाक्यपीयूषं स्वान्तं मे शान्तिमागमत्

kṣipraṁ naśyati dharmajña jalānāṁ śarado yathā | vaiśya uvāca | pītvā te vākyapīyūṣaṁ svāntaṁ me śāntimāgamat

in the company of the holy is swiftly destroyed, just as the waters clear in autumn.' The vaishya said: 'Having drunk the nectar of your words, my heart has found peace.

Verse 114 (garuda.2.6.114)

सर्वतीर्थफलं मेऽध्य सञ्जातं तव दर्शनात् । इति श्रुत्वा वचस्तस्य प्रोवाच ऋपिसत्तमः

sarvatīrthaphalaṁ me'dhya sañjātaṁ tava darśanāt | iti śrutvā vacastasya provāca ṛpisattamaḥ

Today, by the mere sight of you, I have obtained the fruit of every pilgrimage.' Hearing these words, that foremost sage said — Lomasha said: 'O king of kings, for your welfare,

Verse 115 (garuda.2.6.115)

लोमश उवाच । हिताय तव राजेन्द्र त्रिवर्गफलमिच्छतः । यत्त्वया सुकृतं भूरिवृषोत्सर्गं विना कृतम्

lomaśa uvāca | hitāya tava rājendra trivargaphalamicchataḥ | yattvayā sukṛtaṁ bhūrivṛṣotsargaṁ vinā kṛtam

you who desire the fruit of the threefold aim [dharma, artha, kama] — whatever meritorious deeds you have performed without the vrishotsarga,

Verse 116 (garuda.2.6.116)

मन्येऽकिञ्चत्करं सर्वं नीहारसलिलं यथा । वृषोत्सर्गसमं किञ्चित्साधनं न महीतले

manye'kiñcatkaraṁ sarvaṁ nīhārasalilaṁ yathā | vṛṣotsargasamaṁ kiñcitsādhanaṁ na mahītale

I hold to be as fruitless as the water of mist. On this earth there is no means equal to the vrishotsarga.

Verse 117 (garuda.2.6.117)

अनायासेन गच्छन्ति गतिं ते पुण्यकर्मणाम् । वृषोत्सर्गः कृतो येन अश्वमेधस्य याजकः

anāyāsena gacchanti gatiṁ te puṇyakarmaṇām | vṛṣotsargaḥ kṛto yena aśvamedhasya yājakaḥ

Those who have performed the vrishotsarga attain, without effort, the state of those of meritorious deeds. He who has performed vrishotsarga, and he who performs Ashvamedha —

Verse 118 (garuda.2.6.118)

उभौ समौ मया दृष्टौ दिव्यौ तौ शक्रसन्निधौ । अतस्त्वं पुष्करं गत्वा वृषोत्सर्गं विधाय च

ubhau samau mayā dṛṣṭau divyau tau śakrasannidhau | atastvaṁ puṣkaraṁ gatvā vṛṣotsargaṁ vidhāya ca

I have seen both of these, equally divine, in Indra's presence. Therefore go to Pushkara, and perform the vrishotsarga,

Verse 119 (garuda.2.6.119)

ततो याहि गृहं साधो येन सर्वं कृतं भवेत् । विपश्चिदुवाच । ततः स पुनरागत्य कार्तिक्यां पुष्करे वरे

tato yāhi gṛhaṁ sādho yena sarvaṁ kṛtaṁ bhavet | vipaściduvāca | tataḥ sa punarāgatya kārtikyāṁ puṣkare vare

and then go home, O virtuous one, so that everything shall be counted as accomplished.' Vipashchit said: 'Then he, returning once more, in the excellent Pushkara, in the month of Kartika,'

Verse 120 (garuda.2.6.120)

वराहरूपी भगवान् यत्रास्ते यज्ञपूरकः । चकार विधिवत्सर्वं युद्कमृषिसत्तमैः

varāharūpī bhagavān yatrāste yajñapūrakaḥ | cakāra vidhivatsarvaṁ yudkamṛṣisattamaiḥ

'where dwells the Lord in the form of the Boar, the fulfiller of sacrifice, together with the foremost sages performed everything according to due rite.'

Verse 121 (garuda.2.6.121)

गतानि बहुतीर्थानि ततो लोमशसंगतिः । ततोऽधिकतरं जातं पुण्यं नीलविवाहजम्

gatāni bahutīrthāni tato lomaśasaṁgatiḥ | tato'dhikataraṁ jātaṁ puṇyaṁ nīlavivāhajam

'Many pilgrimages, then the company of sage Lomasha — but greater merit than all of these arose from the release of the black bull.'

Verse 122 (garuda.2.6.122)

सभुक्त्वा विषयान् दिव्यान् विमानवरमाश्रितः । तेन राजकुले जन्म वीरसेनस्य धर्मतः

sabhuktvā viṣayān divyān vimānavaramāśritaḥ | tena rājakule janma vīrasenasya dharmataḥ

'Having enjoyed celestial pleasures, mounted upon an excellent celestial chariot, he was reborn, by dharma, in the family of King Virasena,'

Verse 123 (garuda.2.6.123)

वीरपञ्चाननाख्यातञ्चतुर्वर्गैकसाधकम् । प्रकुर्वतो वृषोत्सर्गं तत्र ये परिचारकाः

vīrapañcānanākhyātañcaturvargaikasādhakam | prakurvato vṛṣotsargaṁ tatra ye paricārakāḥ

'known by the name Virapanchanana, one who accomplished all four aims of life. The attendants present there at the vrishotsarga,'

Verse 124 (garuda.2.6.124)

दिव्यरूपाभवन् स्पृष्टा गोपुच्छोदकशीकरैः । सुरूपाः पुष्टवपुषः पश्यन्तो दूरसंस्थिताः

divyarūpābhavan spṛṣṭā gopucchodakaśīkaraiḥ | surūpāḥ puṣṭavapuṣaḥ paśyanto dūrasaṁsthitāḥ

'touched by the sprinkling of water from the cow's tail, attained divine forms — comely, sound of body, even those merely watching from afar.'

Verse 125 (garuda.2.6.125)

ततो दूरतरा ये च दृश्यन्ते मलिना जनाः । दुर्भगा मलिना रूक्षाः कृशा विगतवाससः

tato dūratarā ye ca dṛśyante malinā janāḥ | durbhagā malinā rūkṣāḥ kṛśā vigatavāsasaḥ

'and those standing yet further away appeared unclean — unfortunate, filthy, wasted, thin, and without clothing —'

Verse 126 (garuda.2.6.126)

वृषयज्ञमपश्यन्तो ये चासूयां प्रकुर्वते । सर्वं निवेदितं राज्ञश्चरितं पूर्वजन्मनः

vṛṣayajñamapaśyanto ye cāsūyāṁ prakurvate | sarvaṁ niveditaṁ rājñaścaritaṁ pūrvajanmanaḥ

'those who, not witnessing the bull-sacrifice, spoke ill of it.' The whole account of the king's former birth was thus related to him,'

Verse 127 (garuda.2.6.127)

धर्म्यं विचित्रमाख्यानं श्रुतं मे यत्पराशरात् । अतस्त्वं स्वगृहं गच्छ कृपां कृत्वा ममोपरि

dharmyaṁ vicitramākhyānaṁ śrutaṁ me yatparāśarāt | atastvaṁ svagṛhaṁ gaccha kṛpāṁ kṛtvā mamopari

'this righteous and wondrous tale, which I had heard from Parashara. Therefore, showing me your favor, go now to your own home.'

Verse 128 (garuda.2.6.128)

श्रुत्वा विपश्चिद्वाक्यं स विस्मयं परमं गतः । गृहं जगाम विप्रोऽसौ प्रापितो राजसेवकैः

śrutvā vipaścidvākyaṁ sa vismayaṁ paramaṁ gataḥ | gṛhaṁ jagāma vipro'sau prāpito rājasevakaiḥ

Hearing this speech of Vipashchit, that brahmin was filled with the greatest wonder. He was then conveyed home again by the king's own servants.

Verse 129 (garuda.2.6.129)

वसिष्ठ उवाच । तस्माद्राजन् वृषोत्सर्गं वरिष्ठं सर्वकर्मणाम् । समाचर विधानेन यदि भीतो यमादपि

vasiṣṭha uvāca | tasmādrājan vṛṣotsargaṁ variṣṭhaṁ sarvakarmaṇām | samācara vidhānena yadi bhīto yamādapi

Vasishtha said: Therefore, O king, perform the vrishotsarga — foremost among all rites — duly, if you are truly afraid even of Yama.

Verse 130 (garuda.2.6.130)

वृषोत्सर्गसमं किञ्चित्साधनं नदिवः परम् । मया धर्मरहस्यं ते कथितं राजसत्तम

vṛṣotsargasamaṁ kiñcitsādhanaṁ nadivaḥ param | mayā dharmarahasyaṁ te kathitaṁ rājasattama

Even in the heavens there is no means equal to the vrishotsarga. O foremost of kings, I have thus revealed to you this secret of dharma.

Verse 131 (garuda.2.6.131)

पतिपुत्रवती नारी भर्तुरग्रे मृता यदि । वृषोत्सर्गं न कुर्वीत गां दद्याच्च पयस्विः नीम्

patiputravatī nārī bharturagre mṛtā yadi | vṛṣotsargaṁ na kurvīta gāṁ dadyācca payasviḥ nīm

If a woman blessed with both husband and son dies before her husband, no vrishotsarga should be performed for her; instead, a milk-giving cow should be given on her behalf.

Verse 132 (garuda.2.6.132)

श्रीकृष्ण उवाच । श्रुत्वा वाक्यं वसिष्ठस्य राजा मधुपुरीं गतः । चकार विधिवत्सर्वं वृषोत्सर्गमहं खग

śrīkṛṣṇa uvāca | śrutvā vākyaṁ vasiṣṭhasya rājā madhupurīṁ gataḥ | cakāra vidhivatsarvaṁ vṛṣotsargamahaṁ khaga

Shri Krishna said: Having heard this word of Vasishtha, the king went to Mathura, and there, O bird, he performed the entire vrishotsarga according to due rite.

Verse 133 (garuda.2.6.133)

गृहं गत्वा स आत्मानं कृतकृत्यममन्यत । कालेन निधनं प्राप्तो नीतो वैवस्वतानुगैः

gṛhaṁ gatvā sa ātmānaṁ kṛtakṛtyamamanyata | kālena nidhanaṁ prāpto nīto vaivasvatānugaiḥ

Returning home, he considered himself fulfilled. In time, death overtook him, and the servants of Vaivasvata Yama took him away.

Verse 134 (garuda.2.6.134)

स कालनगरं हित्वा गतो दूरतरं पथि । श्राद्धदेवपुरं कुत्रेत्येवं दूतानपृच्छत

sa kālanagaraṁ hitvā gato dūrataraṁ pathi | śrāddhadevapuraṁ kutretyevaṁ dūtānapṛcchata

Leaving that city, he proceeded even further along the road. He asked the messengers along the way — 'Where is the city of Shraddhadeva?'

Verse 135 (garuda.2.6.135)

पापिनो यत्र पात्यन्ते याम्यै पापविशुद्धये । यत्र देवः स धर्माधर्मविचेतनः

pāpino yatra pātyante yāmyai pāpaviśuddhaye | yatra devaḥ sa dharmādharmavicetanaḥ

'The place where sinners are thrown by Yama's servants for the cleansing of their sin, where dwells that god who discerns dharma from adharma.'

Verse 136 (garuda.2.6.136)

गतं पापपुरं तत्तु न द्रष्टव्यं भवादृशैः । अग्रे दृष्ट्वा धर्मराजमूचुस्ते परमादरात्

gataṁ pāpapuraṁ tattu na draṣṭavyaṁ bhavādṛśaiḥ | agre dṛṣṭvā dharmarājamūcuste paramādarāt

'That city of sin we have already passed, but it should not be seen by one such as you.' Ahead, upon seeing Dharmaraja, they spoke with the greatest reverence —

Verse 137 (garuda.2.6.137)

दिव्यरूपस्तदा देवो देवगन्धर्वसंयुतः । आत्मानं दर्शया मास तस्य राज्ञो महात्मनः

divyarūpastadā devo devagandharvasaṁyutaḥ | ātmānaṁ darśayā māsa tasya rājño mahātmanaḥ

then that god, in his divine form, together with the gods and gandharvas, revealed himself to that great-souled king.

Verse 138 (garuda.2.6.138)

प्रणम्य दण्डवद्राजा कृताञ्जलिः पुरः स्थितः । तुष्टाव बहुधा देवं हर्षपुरितमानसः

praṇamya daṇḍavadrājā kṛtāñjaliḥ puraḥ sthitaḥ | tuṣṭāva bahudhā devaṁ harṣapuritamānasaḥ

The king, prostrating full-length, standing before him with joined hands, his heart filled with joy, praised that god in many ways.

Verse 139 (garuda.2.6.139)

धर्मराजोऽपि राजानं प्रशस्येदमुवाच ह । नीयतां देवलोकाय यत्र भोगाः सुपुष्कलाः

dharmarājo'pi rājānaṁ praśasyedamuvāca ha | nīyatāṁ devalokāya yatra bhogāḥ supuṣkalāḥ

Dharmaraja too, praising the king, spoke thus — 'Let you be taken to that world of the gods, where pleasures abound in the greatest measure.'

Verse 140 (garuda.2.6.140)

तद्वीरवाहनः श्रुत्वा पप्रच्छसमवर्तिनम् । न जाने केन पुण्येन स्वर्गं नयसि मां विभो

tadvīravāhanaḥ śrutvā papracchasamavartinam | na jāne kena puṇyena svargaṁ nayasi māṁ vibho

Hearing this, Virvahana asked the Lord of Death — 'O Lord, I do not know by what merit you are leading me to heaven.'

Verse 141 (garuda.2.6.141)

धर्मराज उवाच । त्वया कृतानि पुण्यानि दानं यज्ञाः सविस्तराः । मथुरायां वृषोत्सर्गो वसिष्ठवचनात्किल

dharmarāja uvāca | tvayā kṛtāni puṇyāni dānaṁ yajñāḥ savistarāḥ | mathurāyāṁ vṛṣotsargo vasiṣṭhavacanātkila

Dharmaraja said: 'You have performed many meritorious deeds — extensive gifts and sacrifices; and, on the word of Vasishtha, you also performed the vrishotsarga at Mathura,

Verse 142 (garuda.2.6.142)

धर्मः स्वल्पोऽपि नृपते यदि सम्यगुपासितः । द्विजदेवप्रसादेन स याति बहुविस्तरम्

dharmaḥ svalpo'pi nṛpate yadi samyagupāsitaḥ | dvijadevaprasādena sa yāti bahuvistaram

O king, dharma, even if small, if rightly observed, attains great extent through the grace of the twice-born.'

Verse 143 (garuda.2.6.143)

इत्युक्त्वा यमुनाभ्राता क्षणादन्तर्धिमाययौ । वीरबाहुर्दिवं गत्वा देवैः सह मुमोद ह

ityuktvā yamunābhrātā kṣaṇādantardhimāyayau | vīrabāhurdivaṁ gatvā devaiḥ saha mumoda ha

Having said this, that brother of Yamuna vanished in an instant. Virabahu, having gone to heaven, rejoiced there together with the gods.

Verse 144 (garuda.2.6.144)

श्रीकृष्ण उवाच । मया ते कथितं पक्षिन् वृषयज्ञः सुविस्तरः । प्राणिनां कर्मनिर्हारं श्रुत्वा पापैः प्रमुच्यते

śrīkṛṣṇa uvāca | mayā te kathitaṁ pakṣin vṛṣayajñaḥ suvistaraḥ | prāṇināṁ karmanirhāraṁ śrutvā pāpaiḥ pramucyate

Shri Krishna said: O bird, I have thus told you this detailed account of the bull-sacrifice. Hearing it, a being is freed from its sins through the discharge of its own deeds.