The Rivers, Mountains and Peoples of Bharata

Verse 1 (markandeya.57.1)

क्रौष्टुकिरुवाच भगवन् ! कथितन्त्वेतज्जम्बूद्वीपं समासतः । यदेतद्भवता प्रोक्तं कर्म नान्यत्र पुण्यदम् ॥ 57.1 ॥

krauṣṭukiruvāca bhagavan ! kathitantvetajjambūdvīpaṁ samāsataḥ yadetadbhavatā proktaṁ karma nānyatra puṇyadam

Kraushtuki said: O Lord, you have thus briefly described this Jambudvipa; as you have said, meritorious action exists nowhere else.

Verse 2 (markandeya.57.2)

पापाय वा महाभाग ! वर्जयित्वा तु भारतम् । इतः स्वर्गश्च मोक्षश्च मध्यञ्चान्तञ्च गम्यते ॥ 57.2 ॥

pāpāya vā mahābhāga ! varjayitvā tu bhāratam itaḥ svargaśca mokṣaśca madhyañcāntañca gamyate

Nor, O great one, is sin possible anywhere but in Bharata; from here alone one attains heaven and final liberation, the middling course and the ultimate one.

Verse 3 (markandeya.57.3)

न खल्वन्यत्र मर्त्यानां भूमौ कर्म विधीयते । तस्माद्विस्तरशो ब्रह्मन् ! ममैतद्भारतं वद ॥ 57.3 ॥

na khalvanyatra martyānāṁ bhūmau karma vidhīyate tasmādvistaraśo brahman ! mamaitadbhārataṁ vada

Indeed, nowhere else on earth is action ordained for mortals; therefore, O brahmana, tell me of this Bharata in full detail.

Verse 4 (markandeya.57.4)

ये चास्य भेदा यावन्तो यथावत् स्थितिरेव च । वर्षोऽयं द्विजशार्दूल ! ये चास्मिन् देशपर्वताः ॥ 57.4 ॥

ye cāsya bhedā yāvanto yathāvat sthitireva ca varṣo'yaṁ dvijaśārdūla ! ye cāsmin deśaparvatāḥ

Tell me, O tiger among brahmanas, what its divisions are, however many, and its true condition, and what countries and mountains lie within this region.

Verse 5 (markandeya.57.5)

मार्कण्डेय उवाच भारतस्यास्य वर्षस्य नव भेदान्निबोध मे । समुद्रान्तरिता ज्ञेयास्ते त्वगम्याः परस्परम् ॥ 57.5 ॥

mārkaṇḍeya uvāca bhāratasyāsya varṣasya nava bhedānnibodha me samudrāntaritā jñeyāste tvagamyāḥ parasparam

Markandeya said: Learn from me the nine divisions of this land Bharata; know them as separated by the ocean and mutually inaccessible to one another.

Verse 6 (markandeya.57.6)

इन्द्रद्वीपः कशेरुमांस्ताम्रवर्णो गभस्तिमान् । नागद्वीपस्तथा सौम्यो गान्धर्वो वारुणस्तथा ॥ 57.6 ॥

indradvīpaḥ kaśerumāṁstāmravarṇo gabhastimān nāgadvīpastathā saumyo gāndharvo vāruṇastathā

Indradvipa, Kasherumat, Tamravarna, Gabhastimat, and likewise Nagadvipa, Saumya, Gandharva, and Varuna —

Verse 7 (markandeya.57.7)

अयन्तु नवमस्तेषां द्वीपः सागरसंवृतः । योजनानां हसस्त्रं वै द्वीपोऽयं दक्षिणोत्तरात् ॥ 57.7 ॥

ayantu navamasteṣāṁ dvīpaḥ sāgarasaṁvṛtaḥ yojanānāṁ hasastraṁ vai dvīpo'yaṁ dakṣiṇottarāt

and the ninth among them is this island, encircled by the ocean; this island measures a thousand yojanas from south to north.

Verse 8 (markandeya.57.8)

पूर्वे किराता यस्यान्ते पश्चिमे यवनास्तथा । ब्राह्मणाः क्षत्रिया वैश्याः शूद्राश्चान्तः स्थिता द्विज ॥ 57.8 ॥

pūrve kirātā yasyānte paścime yavanāstathā brāhmaṇāḥ kṣatriyā vaiśyāḥ śūdrāścāntaḥ sthitā dvija

At whose eastern end dwell the Kiratas, and at the western end the Yavanas likewise; within it, O brahmana, dwell brahmanas, kshatriyas, vaishyas, and shudras.

Verse 9 (markandeya.57.9)

इज्याध्यायवणिज्याद्यैः कर्मभिः कृतपावनाः । तेषां संव्यवहारश्च एभिः कर्मभिरिष्यते ॥ 57.9 ॥

ijyādhyāyavaṇijyādyaiḥ karmabhiḥ kṛtapāvanāḥ teṣāṁ saṁvyavahāraśca ebhiḥ karmabhiriṣyate

They are purified by such occupations as sacrifice, study, and trade, and it is through these same occupations that their mutual dealings are carried on.

Verse 10 (markandeya.57.10)

स्वर्गापवर्गप्राप्तिश्च पुण्यं पापञ्च वै तदा । महेन्द्रो मलयः सह्यः शुक्तिमानृक्षपर्वतः ॥ 57.10 ॥

svargāpavargaprāptiśca puṇyaṁ pāpañca vai tadā mahendro malayaḥ sahyaḥ śuktimānṛkṣaparvataḥ

And through these they attain heaven and final liberation, and merit and sin as well. Mahendra, Malaya, Sahya, Shuktiman, the Riksha mountain,

Verse 11 (markandeya.57.11)

विन्ध्यश्च पारियात्रश्च सप्तैवात्र कुलाचलाः । तेषां सहस्रशश्चान्ये भूधरा ये समीपगाः ॥ 57.11 ॥

vindhyaśca pāriyātraśca saptaivātra kulācalāḥ teṣāṁ sahasraśaścānye bhūdharā ye samīpagāḥ

and Vindhya and Pariyatra — these are the seven principal mountain ranges here; besides these there are thousands of other hills lying near them.

Verse 12 (markandeya.57.12)

विस्तारोच्छ्रयिणो रम्या विपुलाश्चात्र सानवः । कोलाहलः सवैभ्राजो मन्दरो दर्दुराचलः ॥ 57.12 ॥

vistārocchrayiṇo ramyā vipulāścātra sānavaḥ kolāhalaḥ savaibhrājo mandaro dardurācalaḥ

Broad and lofty, delightful and vast are their ridges — Kolahala together with Vaibhraja, Mandara, the Durdura mountain,

Verse 13 (markandeya.57.13)

वातस्वनो वैद्युतश्च मैनाकः स्वरसस्तथा । तुङ्गप्रस्थो नागगिरी रोचनः पाण्डराचलः ॥ 57.13 ॥

vātasvano vaidyutaśca mainākaḥ svarasastathā tuṅgaprastho nāgagirī rocanaḥ pāṇḍarācalaḥ

Vatasvana, Vaidyuta, Mainaka, likewise Svarasa, Tungaprastha, Nagagiri, Rochana, the Pandara mountain,

Verse 14 (markandeya.57.14)

पुष्पो गिरिर्दुर्जयन्तो रैवतोर्ऽबुद एव च । ऋष्यमूकः सगोमन्तः कूटशैलः कृतस्मरः ॥ 57.14 ॥

puṣpo girirdurjayanto raivator'buda eva ca ṛṣyamūkaḥ sagomantaḥ kūṭaśailaḥ kṛtasmaraḥ

the Pushpa mountain, Durjayanta, Raivata and Arbuda, Rishyamuka together with Gomanta, Kutashaila, Kritasmara,

Verse 15 (markandeya.57.15)

श्रीपर्वतश्चकोरश्च शतशोऽन्ये च पर्वताः । तैर्विमिश्रा जनपदा म्लेच्छाश्चार्याश्च भागशः ॥ 57.15 ॥

śrīparvataścakoraśca śataśo'nye ca parvatāḥ tairvimiśrā janapadā mlecchāścāryāśca bhāgaśaḥ

Shriparvata and Chakora, and hundreds of other mountains besides. Mingled among these mountains, both mleccha and arya peoples dwell, region by region.

Verse 16 (markandeya.57.16)

तैः पीयन्ते सरित्श्रेष्ठा यास्ताः सम्यङ्निबोध मे । गङ्गा सरस्वती सिन्धुश्चन्द्रभागा तथापरा ॥ 57.16 ॥

taiḥ pīyante saritśreṣṭhā yāstāḥ samyaṅnibodha me gaṅgā sarasvatī sindhuścandrabhāgā tathāparā

By these mountains the finest rivers are nourished; hear rightly from me which they are — Ganga, Sarasvati, Sindhu, and likewise Chandrabhaga,

Verse 17 (markandeya.57.17)

यमुना च शतद्रुश्च वितस्तेरावती कुहुः । गोमती धूतपापा च बाहुदा सदृशद्वती ॥ 57.17 ॥

yamunā ca śatadruśca vitasterāvatī kuhuḥ gomatī dhūtapāpā ca bāhudā sadṛśadvatī

Yamuna, Shatadru, Vitasta, Iravati, Kuhu, Gomati, Dhutapapa, Bahuda, Sadrishadvati,

Verse 18 (markandeya.57.18)

विपाशा देविका रङ्क्षुर्निश्चीरा गण्डकी तथा । कौशिकी चापगा विप्र ! हिमवत्पादनिः सृताः ॥ 57.18 ॥

vipāśā devikā raṅkṣurniścīrā gaṇḍakī tathā kauśikī cāpagā vipra ! himavatpādaniḥ sṛtāḥ

Vipasha, Devika, Rankshu, Nishchira, Gandaki, and Kaushiki, O brahmana — all these rivers issue from the foot of the Himalaya.

Verse 19 (markandeya.57.19)

वेदस्मृतिर्वेदवती वृत्रघ्री सिन्धुरेव च । वेण्वा सानन्दनी चैव सदानीरा मही तथा ॥ 57.19 ॥

vedasmṛtirvedavatī vṛtraghrī sindhureva ca veṇvā sānandanī caiva sadānīrā mahī tathā

Vedasmriti, Vedavati, Vritraghni, and likewise Sindhu, Venva, Sanandana, and likewise Sadanira and Mahi —

Verse 20 (markandeya.57.20)

पारा चर्मण्वती नूपी विदिशा वेत्रवत्यपि । शिप्रा ह्यवर्णो च तथा पारियात्राश्रयाः स्मृताः ॥ 57.20 ॥

pārā carmaṇvatī nūpī vidiśā vetravatyapi śiprā hyavarṇo ca tathā pāriyātrāśrayāḥ smṛtāḥ

Para, Charmanvati, Nupi, Vidisha, Vetravati, Shipra, and Avarna also — these are remembered as having their source in the Pariyatra range.

Verse 21 (markandeya.57.21)

शोणो महानदश्चैव नर्मदा सुरथाद्रिजा । मन्दाकिनी दशार्णा च चित्रकूटा तथापरा ॥ 57.21 ॥

śoṇo mahānadaścaiva narmadā surathādrijā mandākinī daśārṇā ca citrakūṭā tathāparā

Shona the great river, and Narmada born of the Suratha mountain, Mandakini, Dasharna, and another, Chitrakuta —

Verse 22 (markandeya.57.22)

चित्रोत्पला सतमसा करमोदा पिशाचिका । तथान्या पिप्पलिश्रोणिर्विपाशा वञ्जुला नदी ॥ 57.22 ॥

citrotpalā satamasā karamodā piśācikā tathānyā pippaliśroṇirvipāśā vañjulā nadī

Chitrotpala, together with Tamasa, Karamoda, Pishachika, and another, Pippalishroni, Vipasha, and the river Vanjula —

Verse 23 (markandeya.57.23)

सुमेरुजा शुक्तिमती शकुली त्रिदिवाक्रमुः । (विन्ध्य) (स्कन्ध) पादप्रसूता वै तथान्या वेगवाहिनी ॥ 57.23 ॥

sumerujā śuktimatī śakulī tridivākramuḥ (vindhya) (skandha) pādaprasūtā vai tathānyā vegavāhinī

Sumeruja, Shuktimati, Shakuli, Tridivakramu, and another swift-flowing river — these all arise from the foot of the Vindhya (or Skandha) mountain.

Verse 24 (markandeya.57.24)

शिप्रा पयोष्णी निर्विन्ध्या तापी सनिषधावती । वेण्या वैतरणी चैव सिनीवाली कुमुद्वती ॥ 57.24 ॥

śiprā payoṣṇī nirvindhyā tāpī saniṣadhāvatī veṇyā vaitaraṇī caiva sinīvālī kumudvatī

Shipra, Payoshni, Nirvindhya, Tapi together with Nishadhavati, Venya, Vaitarani, Sinivali, Kumudvati —

Verse 25 (markandeya.57.25)

करतोया महागौरी दुर्गा चान्तः शिरा तथा । (ऋक्ष) (विन्ध्य) पादप्रसूतास्ता नद्यः पुण्यजलाः शुभाः ॥ 57.25 ॥

karatoyā mahāgaurī durgā cāntaḥ śirā tathā (ṛkṣa) (vindhya) pādaprasūtāstā nadyaḥ puṇyajalāḥ śubhāḥ

Karatoya, Mahagauri, Durga, and likewise Antahshira — these auspicious rivers of sacred water arise from the foot of the Riksha (or Vindhya) mountain.

Verse 26 (markandeya.57.26)

गोदावरी भीमरथा कृष्णा वेण्या तथापरा । तुङ्गभद्रा सुप्रयोगा वाह्या कावेर्यथापगा ॥ 57.26 ॥

godāvarī bhīmarathā kṛṣṇā veṇyā tathāparā tuṅgabhadrā suprayogā vāhyā kāveryathāpagā

Godavari, Bhimaratha, Krishna, and another, Venya, Tungabhadra, Suprayoga, Vahya, and the river Kaveri —

Verse 27 (markandeya.57.27)

(सह्य) (विन्ध्य) पादविनिष्क्रान्ता इत्येताः सरिदुत्तमाः । कृतमाला ताम्रपर्णो पुष्पजा सूत्पलावती ॥ 57.27 ॥

(sahya) (vindhya) pādaviniṣkrāntā ityetāḥ sariduttamāḥ kṛtamālā tāmraparṇo puṣpajā sūtpalāvatī

these excellent rivers all issue from the foot of Sahya (or Vindhya). Kritamala, Tamraparni, Pushpaja, Utpalavati —

Verse 28 (markandeya.57.28)

मलयाद्रिसमुद्भूता नद्यः शीतजलास्त्विमाः । पितृसोमर्षिकुल्या च इक्षुका त्रिदिवा च या ॥ 57.28 ॥

malayādrisamudbhūtā nadyaḥ śītajalāstvimāḥ pitṛsomarṣikulyā ca ikṣukā tridivā ca yā

these cool-watered rivers arise from the Malaya mountain. Pitrisoma, Rishikulya, Ikshuka, and Tridiva —

Verse 29 (markandeya.57.29)

लाङ्गूलिनी वंशकरा महेन्द्रप्रभवाः स्मृताः । ऋषिकुल्या कुमारी च मन्दगा मन्दवाहिनी ॥ 57.29 ॥

lāṅgūlinī vaṁśakarā mahendraprabhavāḥ smṛtāḥ ṛṣikulyā kumārī ca mandagā mandavāhinī

Langulini and Vamshakara are remembered as arising from Mahendra; and likewise Rishikulya, Kumari, Mandaga, and Mandavahini,

Verse 30 (markandeya.57.30)

कृपा पलाशिनी चैव शुक्तिमत्प्रभवाः स्मृताः । सर्वाः पुण्याः सरस्वत्यः सर्वा गङ्गाः समुद्रगाः ॥ 57.30 ॥

kṛpā palāśinī caiva śuktimatprabhavāḥ smṛtāḥ sarvāḥ puṇyāḥ sarasvatyaḥ sarvā gaṅgāḥ samudragāḥ

Kripa and likewise Palashini are remembered as arising from Shuktiman. All of them are as sacred as Sarasvati, all are as Ganga, and all flow to the sea.

Verse 31 (markandeya.57.31)

विश्वस्य मातरः सर्वाः सर्वपापहराः स्मृताः । अन्याः सहस्रशश्चोक्ताः क्षुद्रनद्यो द्विजोत्तम ॥ 57.31 ॥

viśvasya mātaraḥ sarvāḥ sarvapāpaharāḥ smṛtāḥ anyāḥ sahasraśaścoktāḥ kṣudranadyo dvijottama

All of them are remembered as mothers of the world, removers of every sin. Besides these, O best of brahmanas, thousands of lesser rivers are also spoken of.

Verse 32 (markandeya.57.32)

प्रावृट्कालवहाः सन्ति सदाकालवहाश्च याः । मत्स्याश्वकूटाः कुल्याश्च कुन्तलाः काशिकोशलाः ॥ 57.32 ॥

prāvṛṭkālavahāḥ santi sadākālavahāśca yāḥ matsyāśvakūṭāḥ kulyāśca kuntalāḥ kāśikośalāḥ

Some flow only in the rainy season, while others flow at every season. [Now hear the peoples of the Middle Country —] the Matsyas, Ashvakutas, Kulyas, Kuntalas, Kashi, Koshala,

Verse 33 (markandeya.57.33)

अथर्वाश्चार्कलिङ्गाश्च मलकाश्च वृकैः सह । मध्यदेश्या जनपदाः प्रायशोऽमी प्रकीर्तिताः ॥ 57.33 ॥

atharvāścārkaliṅgāśca malakāśca vṛkaiḥ saha madhyadeśyā janapadāḥ prāyaśo'mī prakīrtitāḥ

Atharvas, Arkalingas, Malakas together with the Vrikas — these, for the most part, are declared to be the peoples of the Middle Country.

Verse 34 (markandeya.57.34)

सह्यस्य चोत्तरे या तु यत्र गोदावरी नदी । पृथिव्यामपि कृतस्त्रायां स प्रदेशो मनोरमः ॥ 57.34 ॥

sahyasya cottare yā tu yatra godāvarī nadī pṛthivyāmapi kṛtastrāyāṁ sa pradeśo manoramaḥ

That region, north of the Sahya mountains, where the river Godavari flows, is a place of shelter and is exceedingly delightful even upon this earth.

Verse 35 (markandeya.57.35)

गोवर्धनं पुरं रम्यं भार्गवस्य महात्मनः । वाह्लीका वाटधानाश्च आभीराः कालतोयकाः ॥ 57.35 ॥

govardhanaṁ puraṁ ramyaṁ bhārgavasya mahātmanaḥ vāhlīkā vāṭadhānāśca ābhīrāḥ kālatoyakāḥ

There stands the delightful city of Govardhana, belonging to the great-souled Bhargava. [Now the peoples of the north-west —] Vahlikas, Vatadhanas, Abhiras, Kalatoyakas,

Verse 36 (markandeya.57.36)

अपरान्ताश्च शूद्राश्च पल्लवाश्चर्मखण्डिकाः । गान्धारा गबलाश्चैव सिन्धुसौवीरमद्रकाः ॥ 57.36 ॥

aparāntāśca śūdrāśca pallavāścarmakhaṇḍikāḥ gāndhārā gabalāścaiva sindhusauvīramadrakāḥ

Aparantas, Shudras, Pallavas, Charmakhandikas, Gandharas, Gabalas, the Sindhu-Sauviras, Madrakas,

Verse 37 (markandeya.57.37)

शतद्रुजाः कलिङ्गाश्च पारदा हालमूषिकाः । माठरा बहुभद्राश्च कैकेया दशमालिकाः ॥ 57.37 ॥

śatadrujāḥ kaliṅgāśca pāradā hālamūṣikāḥ māṭharā bahubhadrāśca kaikeyā daśamālikāḥ

Shatadrujas, Kalingas, Paradas, Halamushikas, Matharas, Bahubhadras, Kaikeyas, Dashamalikas,

Verse 38 (markandeya.57.38)

क्षत्रियोपनिवेशाश्च वैश्यशूद्रकुलानि च । काम्बोजा दरदाश्चैव वर्वरा हर्षवर्धनाः ॥ 57.38 ॥

kṣatriyopaniveśāśca vaiśyaśūdrakulāni ca kāmbojā daradāścaiva varvarā harṣavardhanāḥ

settlements of kshatriyas, and clans of vaishyas and shudras, the Kambojas, Daradas, Barbaras, Harshavardhanas,

Verse 39 (markandeya.57.39)

चीनाश्चैव तुखाराश्च बहुला बाह्यतोनराः । आत्रेयाश्च भरद्वाजाः पुष्कलाश्च कशेरुकाः ॥ 57.39 ॥

cīnāścaiva tukhārāśca bahulā bāhyatonarāḥ ātreyāśca bharadvājāḥ puṣkalāśca kaśerukāḥ

Chinas, Tukharas, Bahulas, the outlying peoples beyond, Atreyas, Bharadvajas, Pushkalas, Kasherukas,

Verse 40 (markandeya.57.40)

लम्पाकाः शूलकाराश्च चूलिका जागुडैः सह । औषधाश्चानिमद्राश्च किरातानाञ्च जातयः ॥ 57.40 ॥

lampākāḥ śūlakārāśca cūlikā jāguḍaiḥ saha auṣadhāścānimadrāśca kirātānāñca jātayaḥ

Lampakas, Shulakaras, Chulikas together with the Jagudas, Aushadhas, Animadras, and the various tribes of the Kiratas.

Verse 41 (markandeya.57.41)

तामसा हंसमार्गाश्च काश्मीरास्तुङ्गनास्तथा । शूलिकाः कुहकाश्चैव ऊर्णा दर्वास्तथैव च ॥ 57.41 ॥

tāmasā haṁsamārgāśca kāśmīrāstuṅganāstathā śūlikāḥ kuhakāścaiva ūrṇā darvāstathaiva ca

Tamasas, Hamsamargas, Kashmiras, likewise Tunganas, Shulikas, Kuhakas, Urnas, likewise Darvas —

Verse 42 (markandeya.57.42)

एते देशा ह्युदीच्यास्तु प्राच्यान्देशान्निबोध मे । अध्रारका मुदकरा अन्तर्गिर्या बहिर्गिराः ॥ 57.42 ॥

ete deśā hyudīcyāstu prācyāndeśānnibodha me adhrārakā mudakarā antargiryā bahirgirāḥ

these are the northern countries. Now hear from me the eastern countries — Adhrarakas, Mudakaras, Antargiryas, Bahirgiras,

Verse 43 (markandeya.57.43)

यथा प्रवङ्गा रङ्गेया मानदा मानवर्तिकाः । ब्राह्मोत्तराः प्रविजया भार्गवा ज्ञेयमल्लकाः ॥ 57.43 ॥

yathā pravaṅgā raṅgeyā mānadā mānavartikāḥ brāhmottarāḥ pravijayā bhārgavā jñeyamallakāḥ

as well as Pravangas, Rangeyas, Manadas, Manavartikas, Brahmottaras, Pravijayas, Bhargavas, Jneyamallakas,

Verse 44 (markandeya.57.44)

प्राग्ज्योतिषाश्च मद्राश्च विदेहास्ताम्रलिप्तकाः । मल्ला मगधगोमन्ताः प्राच्या जनपदाः स्मृताः ॥ 57.44 ॥

prāgjyotiṣāśca madrāśca videhāstāmraliptakāḥ mallā magadhagomantāḥ prācyā janapadāḥ smṛtāḥ

Pragjyotishas, Madras, Videhas, Tamraliptakas, Mallas, the Magadha-Gomantas — these are declared to be the eastern peoples.

Verse 45 (markandeya.57.45)

अथापरे जनपदा दक्षिणापथवासिनः । पुण्ड्राश्च केवलाश्चैव गोलाङ्गूलास्तथैव च ॥ 57.45 ॥

athāpare janapadā dakṣiṇāpathavāsinaḥ puṇḍrāśca kevalāścaiva golāṅgūlāstathaiva ca

Now the other peoples, dwellers of the southern region — Pundras, Kevalas, and likewise the Golangulas,

Verse 46 (markandeya.57.46)

शैलूषा मूषिकाश्चैव कुसुमा नामवासकाः । महाराष्ट्रा माहिषका कलिङ्गाश्चैव सर्वशः ॥ 57.46 ॥

śailūṣā mūṣikāścaiva kusumā nāmavāsakāḥ mahārāṣṭrā māhiṣakā kaliṅgāścaiva sarvaśaḥ

Shailushas, Mushikas, Kusumas, Namavasakas, Maharashtras, Mahishakas, and the Kalingas in every part,

Verse 47 (markandeya.57.47)

आभीराः सह वैशिक्या आढक्याः शबराश्च ये । पुलिन्दा विन्ध्यमौलेया वैदर्भा दण्डकैः सह ॥ 57.47 ॥

ābhīrāḥ saha vaiśikyā āḍhakyāḥ śabarāśca ye pulindā vindhyamauleyā vaidarbhā daṇḍakaiḥ saha

Abhiras together with the Vaishikyas, Adhakyas, Shabaras, Pulindas, Vindhyamauleyas, Vaidarbhas together with the Dandakas,

Verse 48 (markandeya.57.48)

पौरिका मौलिकाश्चैव अश्मका भोगवर्धनाः । नैषिकाः कुन्तला अन्धा उदिभदा वनदारकाः ॥ 57.48 ॥

paurikā maulikāścaiva aśmakā bhogavardhanāḥ naiṣikāḥ kuntalā andhā udibhadā vanadārakāḥ

Paurikas, Maulikas, Ashmakas, Bhogavardhanas, Naishikas, Kuntalas, Andhras, Udibhadas, Vanadarakas —

Verse 49 (markandeya.57.49)

दाक्षिणात्यास्त्वमी देशा अपरान्तान् निबोध मे । सूर्पारकाः कालिबला दुर्गाश्चानीकटैः सह ॥ 57.49 ॥

dākṣiṇātyāstvamī deśā aparāntān nibodha me sūrpārakāḥ kālibalā durgāścānīkaṭaiḥ saha

these are the southern countries. Now hear from me the western regions — Surparakas, Kalibalas, Durgas together with the Anikatas,

Verse 50 (markandeya.57.50)

पुलिन्दाश्च सुमीनाश्च रूपपाः स्वापदैः सह । तथा कुरुमिनश्चैव सर्वे चैव कठाक्षराः ॥ 57.50 ॥

pulindāśca sumīnāśca rūpapāḥ svāpadaiḥ saha tathā kuruminaścaiva sarve caiva kaṭhākṣarāḥ

Pulindas, Suminas, Rupapas together with the Svapadas, and likewise the Kuruminas, and all the Kathakshara peoples,

Verse 51 (markandeya.57.51)

नासिक्यावाश्च ये चान्ये ये चैवोत्तरनर्मदाः । भीरुकच्छाः समाहेयाः सह सारस्वतैरपि ॥ 57.51 ॥

nāsikyāvāśca ye cānye ye caivottaranarmadāḥ bhīrukacchāḥ samāheyāḥ saha sārasvatairapi

the Nasikyas and others, and those dwelling north of the Narmada, the Bhirukacchas, Samaheyas, together with the Sarasvatas,

Verse 52 (markandeya.57.52)

काश्मीराश्च सुराष्ट्राश्च अवन्त्याश्चार्बुदैः सह । इत्येते ह्यपरान्ताश्च शृणु विन्ध्यनिवासिनः ॥ 57.52 ॥

kāśmīrāśca surāṣṭrāśca avantyāścārbudaiḥ saha ityete hyaparāntāśca śṛṇu vindhyanivāsinaḥ

Kashmiras, Surashtras, Avantyas together with the Arbudas — these are all the western peoples. Now hear of those who dwell upon the Vindhya.

Verse 53 (markandeya.57.53)

सरजाश्च करूषाश्च केरलाश्चोत्कलैः सह । उत्तमर्णा दशार्णाश्च भोज्याः किष्किन्धकैः सह ॥ 57.53 ॥

sarajāśca karūṣāśca keralāścotkalaiḥ saha uttamarṇā daśārṇāśca bhojyāḥ kiṣkindhakaiḥ saha

Sarajas, Karushas, Keralas together with the Utkalas, Uttamarnas, Dasharnas, Bhojyas together with the Kishkindhakas,

Verse 54 (markandeya.57.54)

तोशलाः कोशलाश्चैव त्रैपुरा वैदिशास्तथा । तुम्बुरास्तुम्बुलाश्चैव पटवो नैषधेः सह ॥ 57.54 ॥

tośalāḥ kośalāścaiva traipurā vaidiśāstathā tumburāstumbulāścaiva paṭavo naiṣadheḥ saha

Toshalas, Koshalas, Traipuras, likewise Vaidishas, Tumburas, Tumbulas, Patavas together with the Naishadhas,

Verse 55 (markandeya.57.55)

अन्नजास्तुष्टिकाराश्च वीरहोत्रा ह्यवन्तयः । एते जनपदाः सर्वे विन्ध्यपृष्ठनिवासिनः ॥ 57.55 ॥

annajāstuṣṭikārāśca vīrahotrā hyavantayaḥ ete janapadāḥ sarve vindhyapṛṣṭhanivāsinaḥ

Annajas, Tushtikaras, Virahotras, and the Avantyas — all these peoples dwell upon the ridge of the Vindhya.

Verse 56 (markandeya.57.56)

अतो देशान् प्रवक्ष्यामि पर्वताश्रयिणश्च ये । नीहारा हंसमार्गाश्च कुरवो गुर्गणाः खसाः ॥ 57.56 ॥

ato deśān pravakṣyāmi parvatāśrayiṇaśca ye nīhārā haṁsamārgāśca kuravo gurgaṇāḥ khasāḥ

Now I shall tell of the countries that dwell sheltered by the mountains — Niharas, Hamsamargas, Kurus, Gurganas, Khasas,

Verse 57 (markandeya.57.57)

कुन्तप्रावरणाश्चैव ऊर्णा दार्वाः सकृत्रकाः । त्रिगर्ता गालवाश्चैव किरातास्तामसैः सह ॥ 57.57 ॥

kuntaprāvaraṇāścaiva ūrṇā dārvāḥ sakṛtrakāḥ trigartā gālavāścaiva kirātāstāmasaiḥ saha

Kuntapravaranas, Urnas, Darvas together with the Kritrakas, Trigartas, Galavas, and the Kiratas together with the Tamasas.

Verse 58 (markandeya.57.58)

कृतत्रेतादिकश्चात्र चतुर्युगकृतो विधिः । एतत्तु भारतं वर्षं चतुः संस्थानसंस्थितम् ॥ 57.58 ॥

kṛtatretādikaścātra caturyugakṛto vidhiḥ etattu bhārataṁ varṣaṁ catuḥ saṁsthānasaṁsthitam

Here the order of the four ages, beginning with Krita and Treta, holds sway; this land Bharata is set within a fourfold condition.

Verse 59 (markandeya.57.59)

दक्षिणापरतो ह्यस्य पूर्वेण च महोदधिः । हिमवानुत्तरेणास्य कार्मुकस्य यथा गुणः ॥ 57.59 ॥

dakṣiṇāparato hyasya pūrveṇa ca mahodadhiḥ himavānuttareṇāsya kārmukasya yathā guṇaḥ

To its south, its west, and its east lies the great ocean; the Himalaya lies to its north, like the string of a bow.

Verse 60 (markandeya.57.60)

तदेतद् भारतं वर्षं सर्वबीजं द्विजोत्तम । ब्रह्मत्वममरेशत्वं देवत्वं मरुतस्तथा ॥ 57.60 ॥

tadetad bhārataṁ varṣaṁ sarvabījaṁ dvijottama brahmatvamamareśatvaṁ devatvaṁ marutastathā

This land Bharata, O best of brahmanas, is the seed of everything — from it one attains brahminhood, the lordship of the immortals, godhood, and likewise the state of a Marut,

Verse 61 (markandeya.57.61)

मृगपश्वप्सरोयोनिस्तद्वत् सर्वे सरीसृपाः । स्थावराणाञ्च सर्वेषामितो ब्रह्मन् ! शुभाशुभैः ॥ 57.61 ॥

mṛgapaśvapsaroyonistadvat sarve sarīsṛpāḥ sthāvarāṇāñca sarveṣāmito brahman ! śubhāśubhaiḥ

and also birth as a deer, an animal, or an apsaras; likewise the origin of all reptiles and of all unmoving things as well, O brahmana, comes from here, according to their good and evil deeds.

Verse 62 (markandeya.57.62)

प्रयाति कर्मभूर्ब्रह्मन् ! नान्या लोकेषु विद्यते । देवानामपि विप्रर्षे ! सदा एष मनोरथः ॥ 57.62 ॥

prayāti karmabhūrbrahman ! nānyā lokeṣu vidyate devānāmapi viprarṣe ! sadā eṣa manorathaḥ

This, O brahmana, is the land of action; no other such land exists among the worlds. Even for the gods, O sage among brahmanas, this is ever their heart's desire —

Verse 63 (markandeya.57.63)

अपि मानुष्यमाप्स्यामो देवत्वात् प्रच्युताः क्षितौ । मनुष्यः कुरुते तत्तु यन्न शक्यं सुरासुरैः ॥ 57.63 ॥

api mānuṣyamāpsyāmo devatvāt pracyutāḥ kṣitau manuṣyaḥ kurute tattu yanna śakyaṁ surāsuraiḥ

"May we, even when fallen from godhood, obtain a human birth on this earth!" — for a human being accomplishes what cannot be accomplished even by gods and demons.

Verse 64 (markandeya.57.64)

तत्कर्मनिगडग्रस्तैः स्वकर्मख्यापनोत्सुकः । न किञ्चित् क्रियते कर्म सुखलेशोपबृंहितैः ॥ 57.64 ॥

tatkarmanigaḍagrastaiḥ svakarmakhyāpanotsukaḥ na kiñcit kriyate karma sukhaleśopabṛṁhitaiḥ

Bound as they are by the fetters of their past deeds, and eager for the fruit of their own actions to be revealed, those who are sustained only by a fragment of pleasure perform no further meritorious action there.